Project 2: Watch four television episodes about families. If you can, include two of the family shows from the 1950s and 60s, such as “Father Knows Best” or “Leave it to Beaver,” and two different modern shows. Write a two-page essay which discusses your responses to the following questions: ü What messages do the modern shows give you about family life? How do they get these messages across?
ü Do you feel the images these modern shows portray are accurate? Back up your comments with specific examples.
ü What are some of the negative images presented about family life in the modern shows? Give specific examples.
ü What are some positive images presented about family life in the modern shows? Give specific examples.
ü How do the families in the modern shows solve their problems? Do you feel this is realistic?
ü Now compare the modern shows with those from the 1950s and 60s.