Jealousy over reality show an ugly reality in Maine

I have to admit that I’m shocked and perhaps more naive than I thought. The last time I checked, Maine was a place we prided for its people. We are described by ourselves and outsiders as hardworking, stubborn (sometimes to a fault), caring, and most important, neighborly.

Growing up in a small Maine community, and now living in another one, I value being able to drive down the road and wave to the people I pass. In larger cities, it’s easy to live one Sheetrock panel away from your neighbors, yet not know their names.

In Maine, we are fortunate that although we often live a field, an acre, or several fence posts away, we can count on our community.

It’s true that we don’t all like one another, but I don’t think you have to like someone to be happy that something nice is happening to them and their family.

I am shocked at some of the behavior I have witnessed and comments I have read in the last week while visiting the filming of ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” in Milbridge.

Some questioned how the family could afford to adopt a child from China if they’re in such dire financial straits. Others hinted at hidden family wealth. Still others sniped that there were more deserving families in the area. The tone was too often petty and jealous.

On Tuesday, I listened to a radio broadcast on my way to the ABC shoot that was recalling the events of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. I remembered how our country and our communities – our Maine people – came together to support one another.

Whether we had a grudge that had lasted for years, or were upset that our neighbors hadn’t mowed their lawn in weeks, we put aside our petty differences and helped one another.

A colleague referred to the house build currently under way in Milbridge as an old-fashioned barn raising. It’s members of the community coming together to help one of their own.

I never imagined that a television show could rip a community apart.

We all admit that reality TV is far from reality. After all, it’s a business and ratings count.

We all know there are deserving families everywhere, in Maine and “from away,” who could use a new house, a new car, or simply a good meal.

The reality of it is, ABC is producing a television show, not running a soup kitchen.

“Extreme Makeover” runs into controversy and negativity on almost every build, according to production officials. I suppose we shouldn’t be surprised that the controversy came to such a small Maine town, but rather discouraged that we’ve portrayed ourselves in a way that may make others think perhaps Maine isn’t the way life should be.