Is Family Ever Normal?
Who’s to say, what the ideal family really looks like? As we all are entitled to our opinions, what looks like the perfect family to me may not look quite so perfect to another. We shouldn't view family as the necular family because it extends further than the immediate household. Family can be considered anyone who shares the emotional relationship and unconditional love for each other. We shouldn't judge others based on our beliefs or culture. Growing up we learn important values from our elders and family is the beginning foundation for your learning. Your family does not necessarily have to be blood related, but traditionally consists of a mother, father, and children. With time comes change, and society’s definition of family differs in 2013 than the 1950’s. Reality television shows today compared to 1950’s do not portray families to imitate, it’s mostly broadcast for entertainment.
Reality television shows are a big hit these days. On average there are about 320 reality television shows that are shown throughout the year, compared to only four in 2000. In “What We Really Miss About the 1950’s,” the author Stephanie Coontz describes shows such as, “Leave it to Beaver” and “ Donna Reed” as shows American families should imitate. Children respected their parents more in the shows and maintained a close relationship throughout their lives. I feel respect towards parents is an important value, but we don’t see it very often it reality television. For instance, in the show Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, the children, who are ages 6, 12, and 15 speak to their mother any way they please with no consequences. Another show I feel Americans shouldn’t imitate is Sister Wives. The parents chose to live a polygamist lifestyle, and the father is married to three wives. I believe their lifestyle to be adulterous. Even though these shows are for