Polarizing critics and audiences since its name was first whispered, on the Sept. 26 finale of TLC's "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo Child," the titular pint-sized beauty queen did what she does best: Win.

Following the reality network's decision to order additional episodes of the breakout hit series, the ratings for Wednesday's mid-season finale were the highest for the show yet. A record 2.8 million people tuned in to watch Alana, the former "Toddlers & Tiaras" star, and her family on the reality show's one-hour episode, according to TV by the Numbers.

Since premiering in early August, the reality series which portrays the everyday life of Honey Boo Boo Child, real name Alana, and her crazy "redneck" family living in McIntyre, Georgia, has become a runaway success averaging 2.3 million viewers per episode. Besides Alana, the family includes "Mama" June, chalk-mining, forever half-asleep dad "Sugar Bear," and sisters 12-year-old Lauryn "Pumpkin," 15-year-old Jessica "Chubbs," and 17-year-old Anna "Chickadee."

"Here Comes Honey Boo Boo Child" has drawn a firestorm of criticism in its short time on the air. Whether it's Kris Jenner who seriously had the gall to say she's somehow better than the Honey Boo Boo family - money makes you a better person? Very original - or TV writers and anonymous commenters who have nothing better to do than crucify a little girl for being who she is. God forbid.

The harsh criticism of the Honey Boo Boo Child family has reached such a fever pitch that you have to wonder, what are people really angry about here? We'd wager it has far less to do with Alana and her merry band of rednecks and a lot more to do with those who are hurling stones.

And you, yes YOU, intrepid Books & Review commenters have risen to the occasion to defend "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo Child" in the face of adversity. Leave it to the same anonymous souls who troll pop culture articles for schadenfreude to offer up juicy chunks of reason and wisdom.

Here's a few theories as to what really upsets people watching Honey Boo Boo Child that go beyond the tacky catcalls of "white trash," and mentions of how the show is somehow a new low for TV, and/or TLC - really? Is this your first time watching TV?

The family isn't oblivious. They just don't care. And of course, that's what really threatens people.

"People watch the show because its entertaining. God forbid a 14 year old has a child she isn't ready for and recognizes it. This family obviously loves each other whether or not you agree with there lifestyle. So they put on a show for the cameras so what, its called making a living and they are having fun doing it. People do crazy things to support there families and this is no crazier. If you don't like them turn off your darned tv." - said doesn't matter

Classism

"People are so jealous of just a funny TV show that's not high class family." - Abrewer454

"I agree,you unlike some peoples comments in here have no sense of humor,I think the whole family is funny as hell,we have all become so uptight in this world,to many people feel there sooooo much better,well wake up Mr Beckak we're all are born to be who we are,so i wish you alittle kindness in your hateful life,World Peace..." - Christenson1

"Honestly, obviously this mother has done something right with her kids, they all seem to have fun together, they obviously care about each other. Just because someone makes mistakes, doesn't mean they're a terrible person. They can't always make up for their mistakes, but at least they can try. And it seems like June is trying. At least there's that. Not to mention the fact that Alana is 6 years old and has higher self-esteem than pretty much any girl I've met from her age to 18, even more so than some adults. America is so critical, you're all calling them 'backwoods dirtbags' when that's not what they are. They're people. They have backstories, they have feelings, they make mistakes, just like you and just like me. Everybody has dirty little secrets, I bet you every single one of the people here who are criticizing them, have done tons of bad things, and made tons of mistakes. Stop being arrogant and thinking you're entitled because you're educated and have money, and maybe then [your] life will be a bit more [fulfilling]." - America, you disgust me.

Somehow, you haven't figured out yet that reality TV does not equal "reality." Oh yeah, it's 2012.

"love June.....who could watch the show and not know she wasn't Rebecca of Sunny Brook Farm? She cracks me up! The one I love the most is Pumpkin. The expressions she gets on her face and her comments couldn't be scripted. We know these shows are loosely scripted...but that is for our good. We don't want a documentary. Keep'em com'in!" - K Steenerson Franklin

 "I agree, if you don't like this show, or any other show, then don't watch it. We have the freedom to watch whatever we want. It is the public that glamorizes celebrities and even realty shows by reading about them. watching them on TV, listening to their music. You have a choice and if you don't like something then don't follow what's going on. We all have remote controls, right? Change the channel." - Remar

Tell 'em Child.