The word “family” comes from the Latin word familia, meaning “members of household”, a definition that does not scratch the surface of its true meaning. Though kinship in our culture has lost its value, it's possible to look at the concept family through different lenses, through a new view. In this perspective, family can be seen as an intimate group of people who share a common identity along with strong ties of loyalty and closeness. Although not every family is the same, a lot share the same qualities and/or attributes of one another. Not any one family is exactly alike, and the meaning of the word differs depending on who is being asked.
When looking at America, many illustrations of distant and broken families can be observed. New technology, individuality, and the rather hard-working nature of our culture have led people to become withdrawn from their families. For example, majority of children spend on average 27 hours in the care of extended families, daycares, or other systems . A child from infancy to two years is usually in the care of an extended family who, typically will support a loving relationship similar to that of a parent , but after two years of age is placed in some sort of day care system. A developing child needs social relationships, and the lack of interaction between children and their parents can cause issues with a child's sense of self. It would be stereotypical to conclude that all American families are distant because of high employment hours, but it is vital that Americans are aware of how frequent this situation is. Furthermore, communication though electronics such as phones and internet is more common than face to face interaction, which is much more intimate and close .Yet, even when families practice the traditional family dinner , members usually eat quickly and run back to their own computer, phone, or television. Teenagers spend an average of 30 hours per week in front of the screen, time that could be spent with family or friends. Surprisingly, even the stressed importance on individuality in America can affect family relationships. Individuality can be defined as valuing the individual before the group, and America today is a culture deeply rooted in individualism. A child is encouraged to be self-reliant, independent, and have the ability to think for themselves, all being very positive attributes. However, individualistic thinking can split apart families due to the member's disagreement on different ideas as well as lead individuals to have more concern about their needs instead of the family's.
Besides discussing the family in modern day society, why is family so significant? In simple terms, it is the first and most powerful community to which one is exposed to. From the moment of being conceived, by example, words, and actions, the family establishes how members should behave and interact. Parents do this by passing down knowledge about their historical background, customs, traditions, and language, which are all components of identity. In other words, family is your first identity. For instance, my mom sets a great example of this idea . Simply by living with her, consciously and subconsciously, I have become a exact mirror image of her. We speak in the same fashion, act in familiar ways, and have very similar values and beliefs, just as majority of families have similar outlooks on life. In essence, family is a powerful voice in the life of an individual. But, family is not the only social unit in which a person can find their identity. It is human nature for people to feel a sense of belonging to a certain religion or state, or even an activity they participate in, but "without the family, human society as we know it could not exist.”
Moreover, acceptance of every member of the group is also essential in keeping family together. Intense emotions such as hatred, disappointment, and rejection are what split families apart. But a family should be able to overlook these emotions , remembering that no matter what path a child may choose in this life, a family is there to support, encourage and love them, that is the true definition of family. They seek the best in one another and will to protect each other from harm. A child should d be able walk in the household and feel welcome and accepted, no matter what has transpired between the family members. Just like the human body doesn't reject any part of itself, neither should the family deny somebody of approval. Society has forgotten that love and acceptance of everyone in the household is essential in keeping the family alive
Confucius once said, “The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of a home If a family can't stay whole, how could nations stay united?” It is vital that society starts spending more time building strong relationships within the family. Media has stressed the importance of popularity, materialism, outward appearance, and money but not so much the significance of family. It supplies much of a person's identity and is a body of loyal and close companions that experience life together. There is no such thing as a perfect family, but when a household comes together and strives to live in harmony, lasting relationships will be built.
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