OVERVIEW

The new batch of TV sitcoms paying nightly visit to America’s living room is ushering in a new theme: the "anti-family." According to Richard Zoglin, "After nearly four decades of sweet, wholesome TV clans, from ‘Father Knows Best’ to ‘The Cosby Show’, a new clutch of anti-family sitcoms is exploring the squalid underbelly of domestic life. And making a killing."

Today’s new families following the charming Huxtables include the savvy like of the Conners of "Roseanne," the Bundys of "Married…With Children," and the animated family, "The Simpsons." These families of dysfunction are smash hits and have gotten the attention of those concerned with where the American family might be headed.

What is being seen in these shows? First, the father no longer seems to know best; rather, the kid does. There also seems to be another element to today’s kids who are portrayed on TV, as Zoglin points out: "TV kids have always been mischievous, but now they are bratty and disrespectful as well."

Yet with all the perceived negative material in the sitcoms, some psychologists see a positive side to the appeal of the new shows. Barbara Cadow, of the USC School of Medicine suggests that "…with these new programs, we see that we’re doing all right by comparison." Alvin Poussaint, professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and an advisor to "The Cosby Show," says that these new shows, with their exaggerated nastiness, are an "outlet for people who feel, yeah, they really would like to knock the kid in the head, but they know it’s wrong."

While viewers may be relieved to see other families struggle, viewers also see that these families remain intact; for some, this is already an impossible dream. Zoglin feels this way too, as he describes the Simpson family as the losers who "…have struck a chord. Maybe it is because, for all their grumbling, this misfit family sticks together in the end: the camaraderie of the downtrodden."

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

1. Generally speaking, do you think that TV sitcoms relay a positive or a negative message to the American family? Explain.
2. Are younger children who watch these shows capable of understanding the difference between satire and reality?
3. Are children inclined to emulate disrespectful behavior toward parents specifically, and adults in general, due to their exposure to "bratty and disrespectful" role models in TV sitcoms?
4. How do sitcoms encourage or deter dysfunctional relationships?

IMPLICATIONS

• Those working with young people need to clarify one’s own family values and beliefs about how television has the potential to influence viewers.
• Since some popular sitcom material (i.e., satire, parody, etc.) might not be at children’s cognitive level, adults must monitor their TV viewing.
• It is also important to equip kids—teens in particular—with the ability to critically evaluate the material they are viewing. When doing so, it is essential to be actively aware of what is watched and to have good relationships with the kids; otherwise, any training will be viewed as a threat. To guide this process, ask kids about their feelings and opinions, rather than just preach, as "those convinced against their will, are of the same opinion still." Listening and helping are the best ways to offer kids the skills they need to no longer be at the mercy of television.
• Media which is used as a tool for discussion in a youth group setting or general gathering is effective for helping individuals establish their own values. Sitcoms are easy to use because of they are funny and non-threatening. Youth workers can help kids discern what they are watching and help them process it and apply it to their lives.

Jeff Miller cCYS