Question

What messages do the modern shows give you about family life? how do they get these messages across? do you feel the images portrayed by these modern shows are accurate? back up your comments with specific examples. what are some of the negative images presented about family life in the modern shows? give specific examples. what are some positive images presented about family life in the modern shows? give specific examples. how do the families in the modern shows solve their problems? do you feel this is realistic?

Answer 1

However, they also point out that it's OK to have an unusual kind of family structure. On One Tree Hill, for example, Lucas is being raised by a single mom, and he has a close relationship with his uncle, but his dad isn't completely out of the picture. On a teen show such as iCarly, on Nick, Carly's older brother plays the role of guardian, because her dad is in the Air Force. Her mom is never really spoken of. 

2. I do feel that most of the portrayal of family is accurate, on TV. Modern shows have steered away from the conventional "Mom, Dad, 2.5 kids plus dog" formula, which is accurate, because not all TV watchers are fortunate enough to have that kind of situation. See above answer for specific examples. 

3. I think that a definite negative theme in today's modern shows, revolve around views on alcohol and drugs. Obviously everyone is entitled to their own views, but more often than not, after a character drinks, or does something they shouldn't, they panic about what their parents will do once they find out. This panic may lead them to increasingly dangerous situations. For example, in OTH, Nathan is drinking, and then goes out to drive his girlfriend's car. When he crashes it into another car, he realizes the trouble he is in, and leaves the scene of the accident; thus potentially getting him in even more trouble. I realize that TV is in no way an accurate depiction of all life aspects, and it is "only TV", but I think Nathan should have faced the consequences right away, because by running from the scene, he only put himself in danger of being caught, or arrested. Again, though, I'm reading too much into it.