Modern Family

A+

(For its entertaining jokes and stories, its representation and diversity, and how relatable it is)

After spending a month binge watching one of my favorite shows, How I Met Your Mother, I had a longing for more clever sitcoms. I turned my attention to Modern Family, the name coming up in numerous recommendations. And I found my all time favorite show.

As the title suggests, Modern Family follows a modern family. The family is consisted of three parts. :the Dunphy family that show an average American family, the Tucker-Pritchett family that shows a gay family, and the Pritchett-Delgado family that shows a multicultural family. The families encounter various social issues along with typical family concerns. The show is in a mockumentary style with separate interviews explaining the story and revealing the inner thoughts of each character.

The representation in Modern Family is outstanding. Each family shows different forms of modern families. Cam Tucker, Mitchell Pritchett and their friends represent the LGBTQ society and show the stereotypes and difficulties they face. Gloria Pritchett and Manny Delgado represent immigrants and hispanic people and show what it is like to live away from one's roots. Other racial groups or social issues that aren't represented by the main characters are shown in separate episodes or by secondary characters. The way they portray such diverse characters is also notable. The show doesn't thrust diversity into the viewer. Diversity is natural, expressed through light humor or integrated in the storyline. 

Modern Family is able to entertain a large audience as there are characters most people can relate to. The kids of the families appeal to a younger audience, showing the children going through relatable experiences like fitting in at school, having a crush, or constantly being told to grow up. Adults are able to relate to the parents of the families, who go through conflicts with their children, have midlife crisis or have to deal with the fact that they are growing old. Immigrants and second-generation Americans are able to relate to Gloria and Manny and their struggle to keep their identity and traditions while fitting into American society. 

Modern Family holds a special meaning to me too.With Manny, I see my past as a Korean kid in America, trying to fit in when I had different identities and roots. With Alex, I see my present as a student, taking on many activities and responsibilities, and sometimes being overwhelmed by them, in order to pursue my dreams and go to a good university.  With Gloria, I see my future as an immigrant in America, trying to keep my identity as a Korean even though I won't be able to visit Korea frequently. With Haley and Claire and their conflicts, I can relate with Haley and her strive for freedom and independence while understanding my mom and her desire to protect me. With their portrayal of Asian characters, I can get a glimpse at the racism I might have to face in the future. Although Modern Family first grabbed my attention with its clever jokes and humor, the meanings imbedded in the show and the meaning I can personally find from the show was enough to claim a spot in my heart.