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There once was a time when the media bared the responsibility of introducing people to things they never thought of or had seen before. That time was in the late 1960's when the first interracial kiss between performers Nancy Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. was televised for the world to see. This moment was not single handedly responsible for the evolution and representation of characters on television series today but it certainly contributed to breaking barriers and introducing a term that we are now familiar with: diversity.

Television, despite its oscillating ratings, has become a larger medium than films. Its narrative-driven plots and colourful characters have become more influential and important over the past decade. Television has become more experimental in its presentation as well. These changes have almost simultaneously occurred when social and political changes have occurred. The successful American television series “Modern Family” has proven that diversity, both in regards to ethnical background and sexual orientation, is a winning formula.

“Modern Family” features up-to-date representations of the 21st century family. Although the show’s name implies progressiveness, the show still manages to maintain traditional family roles. What makes this award winning television series so different from every other television series is in its depiction of the characters, the family dynamics and situations that viewers cans easily identify with. This show does not have any vampires, terrorists or serial killers; it has something much more frightening: family.

The show centres around the daily lives of three families. The first family is made-up of Jay Pritchett, a middle aged man married to Gloria, a much younger woman of Colo...

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...to be pushed. Clichés are what make stereotypical representations light-hearted; instead of offending viewers, they are making them laugh at what stereotypes society has made up for certain social groups. Those in charge of writing out the script and plot lines should also keep in mind that if it is not relevant to the series' premise, viewers should not be burdened with melodramatic ethnical and gay plots. These stereotypes and clichés have been created by society. It seems only natural to watch on television what we have created.

Today's current televised families have been redefined to include the realities present in society. Whether racially mixed or same sex, the modern family can no longer be defined in simple terms. The definition we have given to modern families has come a long way and the portrayal of them on television has changed with the times as well.