Question

Discuss how the traditional/ stereotypical image of family life in history is still romanticized in the media today. Give examples of how Americans are led to regard early family life as better. Then, compare this classical family of western nostalgia with reality.

Answer 1

Note: This response is in UK English, please paste the response to MS Word and you should be able to spot discrepancies easily. You may elaborate the answer based on personal views or your classwork if necessary.

(Answer) The traditional stereotype of a family illustrates a happy couple, with a few healthy and happy children. This image is still romanticised in the media and within the American culture as well. Western nostalgia would suggest that parents don’t get divorced, children are always obedient to the parents, there is substantial wealth, a house and a car or two in the family.

The new generations, however, have caused a change in this dynamic. Firstly, the economy is no longer merciful to the pocket and mortgages on homes, petrol prices and cars are increasingly unaffordable to a young couple who might want to be betrothed. Starting an early family is mostly possible for affluent people who can afford the commodities that are needed.

The divorce rates have increased because women are no longer confined to a single house role and the men are not particularly accustomed to having their wives share in the role of a provider. Unhappiness in relationships is not easily addressed or treated with impatience, which leads to divorce.

Children no longer simply accept what is told to them. They tend to question their beliefs and formulate their own ideologies. This level of independent thought is something that parents from the previous generation are not particularly used to. This results in the children being rebellious to the point of broken relationships.

This reality is contrary to the typical happy sitcom family that is shown on TV. Advertisements with parents and two happy children using a popular detergent no longer seems like reality but more like a staged fantasy.