I heard, or read somewhere, another theory. It seems very logical to me, but that’s just me.
It goes like this:
A&E definitely knew who the Robertson family were, and what they were all about, from the very beginning when they approached them for the Reality Show series.
But, they were hoping that by televising these guys live, they would have the country laughing AT them, not WITH them.
They hoped that the Duck Dynasty Reality Show would illustrate how stupid and ridiculous Christian Red-Neck Hicks really were, and the show would help turn ALL Christian Bible thumping, Gun toting, Southerners into a Laughing Stock, Wing-nut stereo type, that would further separate them from ‘Normal’ people. And, they would make millions in the process. Win-Win! A two-fer. Screw American Christians and make millions!!
This fits into one of the Rules for Radicals by Saul Alinsky:
The fifth Rule of Tactics:
“Ridicule is man’s most potent weapon”
BUT!!! – NOT SO FAST! INSERT REALITY!!
The Law of Unintended Consequences:
What they didn’t know would happen however, is that the majority of Americans would actually Like them, and relate to them, in the manner that they did. The Duck Dynasty clan became the Real ‘American Idols’ to all the Americans that A&E had hoped would join in and Laugh AT them.
So.
A&E had to come up with a plan to throw away the Baby that they created, and have a valid reason to torpedo their creation. But, since this turn about wasn’t considered as a consequence, they didn’t, and still don’t, have an exit strategy to where they can keep from losing all of those millions that have become used to and save face.
Conundrum:
Do they keep Duck Dynasty?
Yes - This helps the people who they hoped they could destroy, - but, it would allow them to keep the millions coming in.
No – Ditch the Duck Dynasty and lose millions, - but at least it would stop the unintended consequence of supporting those they hate – but that’s not entirely true either, because other networks will surely pick them up if they cut them loose.
They are probably thinking right now:
Damn, I wish we hadn’t gone down this road, because no matter which path we take from here, it leads to sh!t in our face. ?