Fathers, Part I: The Bad

I have mentioned before that we like to watch a few TV shows around here. One of them is "Family Guy". This is the perfect storm of comedy. A family whose characters never age. An intelligent talking dog who is understood by one and all. A "Pinky and the Brain"-esque baby with a homicidal streak whom no one understands except the dog. Spoofs, musical numbers, complete non sequiturs, and just enough of a plot to hold it all together. Sure, I've never understood the chicken fights, but the clip with the head of the maid's union is the funniest 10 seconds of TV ever.

I do have a problem with the show, however, and that is Peter. If he is an example of American fathers we should not be surprised that so many families are breaking down. He is an undereducated bumbling oaf who is always doing something he shouldn't. His children don't respect him and even his dog talks disparagingly to and about him. His interactions with his kids walk a line between oblivious disconnection and slightly taunting mockery. He often makes sexist comments but nevertheless, his affection for his wife is actually as believable as cartoon love can be, and he does have the good sense to recognize that she's the best thing he's got. That said, he is in a constant state of trying to trick her or hide something from her.

Now, here's the thing. Peter is funny exactly because he is stupid, racist, and misogynistic, but his comments, quoted to another in the context of a real life relationship, would be belittling and unkind. I don't pretend to think that anyone looks at the Griffins and thinks "That's the role model for my family!" but I do think that people quote him because they think he's funny. I also think that argument made against children watching violent programming holds true here. If we can become immune to violence, then why not disrespect and ridicule? Do we really want to fill our heads with people acting in a way we would not want ourselves or our loved ones to act? Even if we are mature enough to know it's just TV, how much does it affect our subconscious?

I don't know the full answers to all these questions but it is food for thought. I know that I think the show is funny. I know that I'm going to keep watching. I know that I don't want Nathan to watch. Lastly, I know that I am glad that neither my Dad nor Nathan's act like the elder Griffin.