INQUISITR.COM / News & Politics

‘Alaskan Bush People’ Needs To Let Matt Brown Go [Opinion]

By Toni Matthews
Published on: 05:29 PST, Jul 23, 2016

Reality TV star Matt Brown doesn’t need Alaskan Bush People. Even if his family is enjoying the perks of stardom, someone in Matt’s situation is not going to benefit from the show. Say what you want about Alaskan Bush People as to whether or not it’s fake or real — Matt Brown’s situation is very real.

Radar Online reports that in 2013, well before the Alaskan wilderness series aired, Matt Brown was arrested for a DUI in Juneau, Alaska. In fact, drug and alcohol rumors have circled the eldest Brown for a while now. Radar Online was also the first to report that Matt had checked into rehab.

Many viewers assumed it might not be true or if true, wouldn’t be mentioned on Alaskan Bush People. Then, the series actually touched on the rather personal issue. As I’d previously stated, it was very brave of Brown to admit on camera to his alcohol-related problems and to seek help.

The fifth season ended with Matt not returning home as soon as other family members would have liked as he’d opted for additional counseling. While I was glad to hear this, I became apprehensive for him.

The nature of the Brown family is “always together no matter what.” This viewpoint gets rationalized in the form of a reality TV program that brings in money while allowing the Browns to share and justify their “way of life.” It’s a way of life that seeks to keep the children together indefinitely without encouraging them to be independent adults in any way.

Seriously. Have you noticed that “Browntown” is all about bringing potential mates there rather than allowing the Brown children to move away to start their own families? With Reality TV Scandals revealing “Browntown” as practically an artificial set that the Browns routinely leave, this just gets more bizarre.

[Photo via Reality TV Scandals]
Matt Brown is clearly different from his siblings, in that he seems the most social. For all his “eccentricity,” he also comes across as the one most ready to adapt to life away from the bush, his family, and the TV show.

If he’s profoundly unhappy with the family’s chosen lifestyle but doesn’t want to disappoint anyone (his fear of disappointing his family is one he actually voiced), that could further exacerbate a drinking problem.

Of course, what would make Matt happy is a matter of speculation aside from what he’s perfectly willing to admit. Not a matter of speculation? That reality TV and struggles with addiction do not mix. It’s highly likely Alaskan Bush People, and its related exposure could prove more of a hindrance than a help to Matt.

I also believe that there should be an examination of whether or not it’s healthy not to question Billy Brown’s strange hold on his adult children. Most families have some expectations that their children will be making their own decisions once they hit a certain age. That and parents typically encourage them to strike out on their own and develop their own lives and families. It really does feel as if the Brown children are emotionally stunted in some ways — and it doesn’t seem unintentional on their parents’ part.

As for Matt, I sincerely hope he overcomes his problems with alcohol, and if that means leaving Alaskan Bush People behind, that’s something that others should allow him to do. Being allowed distance from his family and the show might help him find the direction and inner peace he wouldn’t get in that environment.

Do you think Matt Brown should consider leaving Alaskan Bush People? Do you think the Brown lifestyle (being discouraged from leaving home) might have impacted Matt’s drinking issues? Share your thoughts below!

[Image via the Discovery Channel]

Share this article: ‘Alaskan Bush People’ Needs To Let Matt Brown Go [Opinion]
Alaskan Bush People
More from Inquisitr