Really interesting. I hadn’t heard about this story, but from what you wrote, it really doesn’t sound like Bower’s to blame at all. She was making it clear she totally loves her kids and that’s why she’s worried about a world that might not love one of her kids back. She was worried, because she can’t protect him from that.
I only have one kid, but I felt stung (and was glad I could protect my young child, since she’s pre-internet) when one of my inlaws posted on Facebook about my nephew being her “favorite grandkid.” I couldn’t believe it. My concern was that my kiddo never hear that. If she was old enough to be on Facebook, she would have seen it.
A parent with multiple kids would also notice if whenever they went to the grocery store, people commented about one kid being cute or whatever, and never the other one. So it’s just that, but on a mass scale, since we’re putting ourselves out there in front of strangers.
Very interesting. Thanks.