This article explores the discussion surrounding gender portrayal and modern families throughout the first season of Modern Family. Through a textual analysis of season one, I am able to begin exploring the development of each character and their roles within the family. Through this method I will get an accurate representation for how the story line is presented. I will also see how the family dynamics, based on masculinities, shapes a depiction of what can be defined as a modern family. Professor Draper discussed in his lectures, the many forms of masculinity which can be seen in relation to the overall concept of hegemonic masculinity. Hegemonic masculinity is defined by Michael Kimmel as, “what sets the standards for men, is what the other
…show more content…
This end of the whole family gives the obvious signs of modernity because of their progressiveness in being a gay married couple with an adopted daughter. Showing gay marriage helps Modern Family show progression from what is typically questioned in society by some. The Pritchetts help show the ever-changing families now seen in society by having Manny, now become the stepchild to Jay. The Dunphy’s represent the typical nuclear family that is still commonly seen in society. Through all three of these families, and a textual analysis one can see how family relations and values are portrayed- which helps to answer part of my research question: “How are family relations and values portrayed through the television show Modern Family?” and “Do these values effect the way actual modern families behave based on what they see through media usage?” Through the first season the plotline follows the typical structure seen in family sitcoms, following each ends of the family through problems of raising and being a family. Through textual analysis one can comprehend the everyday struggles that Claire faces when she keeps note on her children and her mindless husband, Phil, the gay co-parents, Mitchell and Cameron face within their family and society, and lastly, Jay’s marriage to an obviously noted younger women and now stepson, …show more content…
Through the first season Cam’s unexpected background is revealed, which entails growing up on a farm and playing college football. Both pieces of information are culturally seen through hegemonic masculinity. In the first episode Cam and his husband adopted Lilly, the Vietnamese baby. Cam’s main role through the first season as a stay at home parent is significant when looking at it through the bigger picture of gay co-parenting. This key aspect in the relationship helps to show the modernity within the shows first season alone. A clear distinction between roles within the two co-parents is eminent, creating a principal idea that Cam is the nontraditional masculine character. The visuals make it clear that he is more flamboyant in his tone and attire in his current situation comparative to his childhood. In season one, a perfect example showing his more flamboyant side, Cam is commonly approached for advice on cooking and domestic tasks. In season 1, episode 10, Cam says “how inspiring Martha Stewart can be for the soul” (S.1, Ep. 10, 2009). His role in Modern Family emphasizes the stereotypical cultural beliefs around gay characters. Although stereotypical, this gay figure helps to re-emphasize the concept of untraditional masculinity and it is now part of a modern society. Although Cam and Mitchell are gay co-parents, it can still be argued that
This end of the whole family gives the obvious signs of modernity because of their progressiveness in being a gay married couple with an adopted daughter. Showing gay marriage helps Modern Family show progression from what is typically questioned in society by some. The Pritchetts help show the ever-changing families now seen in society by having Manny, now become the stepchild to Jay. The Dunphy’s represent the typical nuclear family that is still commonly seen in society. Through all three of these families, and a textual analysis one can see how family relations and values are portrayed- which helps to answer part of my research question: “How are family relations and values portrayed through the television show Modern Family?” and “Do these values effect the way actual modern families behave based on what they see through media usage?” Through the first season the plotline follows the typical structure seen in family sitcoms, following each ends of the family through problems of raising and being a family. Through textual analysis one can comprehend the everyday struggles that Claire faces when she keeps note on her children and her mindless husband, Phil, the gay co-parents, Mitchell and Cameron face within their family and society, and lastly, Jay’s marriage to an obviously noted younger women and now stepson, …show more content…
Through the first season Cam’s unexpected background is revealed, which entails growing up on a farm and playing college football. Both pieces of information are culturally seen through hegemonic masculinity. In the first episode Cam and his husband adopted Lilly, the Vietnamese baby. Cam’s main role through the first season as a stay at home parent is significant when looking at it through the bigger picture of gay co-parenting. This key aspect in the relationship helps to show the modernity within the shows first season alone. A clear distinction between roles within the two co-parents is eminent, creating a principal idea that Cam is the nontraditional masculine character. The visuals make it clear that he is more flamboyant in his tone and attire in his current situation comparative to his childhood. In season one, a perfect example showing his more flamboyant side, Cam is commonly approached for advice on cooking and domestic tasks. In season 1, episode 10, Cam says “how inspiring Martha Stewart can be for the soul” (S.1, Ep. 10, 2009). His role in Modern Family emphasizes the stereotypical cultural beliefs around gay characters. Although stereotypical, this gay figure helps to re-emphasize the concept of untraditional masculinity and it is now part of a modern society. Although Cam and Mitchell are gay co-parents, it can still be argued that