Modern Family

The traditional view of a typical American family has evolved considerably over the years. The well-known image of a nuclear family and their loveable dog, cheerfully standing behind their picket fence is fading. The 1950's portrayal of popular families no longer pertains to the majority of Americans nowadays because our society is moving toward equality. The television sitcom series, Modern Family, attempts to embody a more contemporary image of American families. Nevertheless, their intention is to depict modern families nowadays all the while still emphasizing stereotypes and outdated views in terms of gender roles.

The award-winning series Modern Family features the lives of three families who form a larger extended family. Besides the creative and hilarious writing of the show, the popularity results from viewers easily relating to the characters and their family dynamics. As far as one can see, each character and respective family within the show appears to be like the typical family seen in today’s society. There are many well-liked and innovative features within the show that deals with modern day households, such as a gay couple who adopts a Vietnamese baby or a divorced father who has a multiracial marriage with a younger woman. However, the term "modern" in the show's title isn't necessarily spot-on.

The Dunphys, who are the utmost old-fashioned out of the three, depict the nuclear family view just as the aforementioned 1950's happy family standing behind their picket fence. Phil Dunphy, the husband and father figure, is a silly character who is the breadwinner and works as a real estate agent. Phil’s wife is Claire Dunphy, a stay-at-home mother. The Dunphy parents have two daughters and a son; Haley, who is the oldest child, is known as the pretty one yet the scatterbrained daughter. Alex is the other daughter who is the brains of the family and enjoys doing homework instead of partying. Finally, the youngest child Luke is the innocent and graceless...