"The Osbournes": America's Ideal Family?

From "Leave it to Beaver," to "The Cosby Show" and now "The Osbournes," definitions of a family have changed dramatically over the years. "Leave it to Beaver" instilled in America's head the ideal family--husband, wife, two children. The family turned out to have what every family in the U.S. wanted; innocence, respectability and a bit of adventure. "The Cosby Show" taught Americans that "the family that plays, sings, dances, and above all, communicates together, stays together" (Taylor 323). "The Osbournes" brings about completely different ideas of a family--tempers, spoiled children, drug and alcohol abuse, personality clashes, and teen angst-- which are unlike any sitcom in the past that focuses on a family. How does Ozzy define a family? In "Dinner With Ozzy", he says that "he doesn't know the definition of a "normal" family, because he is so used to his lifestyle that he doesn't know anything else.

kelly

kelly

kelly

He explains that he always encourages honesty because he had to endure so much secrecy growing up. However, his blue collar background also gave him an appreciation for hard work, so he tries to do enough of his own chores as he can" (www.tvtome.com). The permissive parenting style of Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne has led to destructive behavior in their children and ultimately the breakdown of the American family and the values it is based on. The loose approach that Kelly and Jack's parents have taken has resulted in detrimental effects, in the form of Jack's drug and alcohol abuse and in the constant profanity used throughout the taping of the show.

Leading by example and teaching your children right from wrong are important values that Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne do not practice. It is imperative that children learn the difference between right and wrong at an early...