You would think someone like Kelly Ripa, who is well-known for her series of creative Halloween costumes, wouldn't scare so easily.
But when it relates to her son living in Brooklyn and paying his own rent, apparently that isn't the case.
Kelly Ripa, of the Live with Kelly and Ryan show, appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live to discuss this year's preparations for their big Halloween show---and of course her kids as two have already gone off to college.
You can see the interview here:
Kelly Ripa's Kids WON'T LEAVEyoutu.be
While on Kimmel, Ripa discussed how her 22-year-old son had moved out and gone off to college. Admittedly, he didn't go very far, now a senior studying Film at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.
But her emphasis was on his life in Brooklyn, living in an apartment with roommates and learning to be financially-independent.
Ripa said:
"I think he loves the freedom. He hates paying his own rent and he's chronically poor. I don't think he ever really experienced extreme poverty like now."
Ripa also noted how her parents have sent $20 to each of her kids as a Halloween gift every year since they were children. Now that her son is paying his own rent and utility bills, he's much more appreciative and dependent on the money he receives.
Ripa quipped:
"Now that he's living on his own, he's called three times, 'Halloween envelope arrived?' Just so he can have electricity! He's experiencing being an adult."
It's admirable to teach your children about autonomy, financial stability, and overall independence---required, even. But there are certain ways you go about talking about these subjects, and well, this wasn't it.
It could be argued that Ripa had no intention of hurting anyone or disrespecting more challenging lives.
But her choice of the words "extreme poverty" while discussing her son's college life a short distance away from his childhood home where his millionaire parents live was a little more than some viewers could accept.
Many took to Twitter, quick to stand up for what extreme poverty actually looks like.
After thousands of comments on Facebook and Instagram, Ripa responded yesterday via an Instagram comment, explaining how there's more to every story than what can be told in a social media post.
Ripa responded:
"Michael goes to college and is a senior and works full time. He is in his first non parent subsidized apt with roommates. I'm used to getting a lot of slack because people love to have fake outrage over something they didn't see."
"They only read a headline and wag their tired fingers. I didn't grow up privileged and neither did @instasuelos."
"We work and we expect our kids to as well. And the fact that a pack of fools want to b--ch about that, i say let em."
Ripa is clearly standing by her choice of words. It's understandable that Ripa wants to stand up for herself.
On the other hand, this is also a great reminder that we are almost always more privileged than someone else. It's important to be sensitive when talking about things many—like Ripa or her children—never experienced. And apologize when we make light of those who have.
The book The Divided City: Poverty and Prosperity in Urban America is available here.
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Have you listened to the first season of George Takei's podcast, 'Oh Myyy Pod!'?
In season one we explored the racially charged videos that have taken the internet by storm.
We're hard at work on season two so be sure to subscribe here so you don't miss it when it goes live.
Here's one of our favorite episodes from season one. Enjoy!
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