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Fathers on Television

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Submitted By Klsy2005
Words 991
Pages 4
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English 1113
26 October 2014
Fathers on Television The article “Wow! A show with a smart father!” by Jaime J. Weinman argues that the role of a father on television is either portrayed negatively or basically nonexistent. She is able to provide numerous examples of television shows that have cut out the role of a father figure all together, it’s stated this may be for financial reasons. She also discusses television shows that portray the father in a negative way. The author then gives an example to the reader of a television show that depicts the father in a positive light. The father of Veronica Mars, Keith Mars, is said to be one of the few positive examples of a father on television. The fact that he’s portrayed more as a role model than just sitting around telling her life stories makes him more realistic. The author clearly states that this is a father that can actually teach his child something and at the same time is likable enough that his daughter wants to spend time with him. The author’s intended audience is a genre of readers that are young enough to be knowledgeable about the different television shows while also being able to recognize the lack of a father’s presence. I believe her targeted reader is actually her real reader as well. It’s easy to read to the article and remain interested when you’re able to recall the television shows that are discussed. The author, Jaime J. Weinman, also makes a clear argument based on popular shows that prove her argument to be correct. The reader will most likely agree with the author after reading the article. The author was effective in persuading her target audience and will achieve her intended outcome.

The author, Jaime J. Weinman, is able to clearly state her stance in the article. The reader is able to get a good understanding of the author’s position and values. It’s made clear that television shows don’t do a good job of portraying the father in positive way, except shows like Veronica Mars. The author makes it clear that the lack of fatherhood in television is overwhelming and that this trend has become the new norm. The author’s motive is simply to encourage more television shows to depict the father the way that Veronica Mars is able to. It’s unclear by reading this article to determine the author’s degree of expertise; however, the author does seem to be knowledgeable and is able to present facts clearly. One particular constraint is the reader’s own belief of how fatherhood should be depicted or how a father is expected to interact with his children. In a family with a single mother it may be perfectly normal for the father to be viewed as basically nonexistent or very limited with his ability to truly provide guidance for his children. Also, many attitudes toward fatherhood, not just fathers on television, have changed greatly over the past few decades. It was once acceptable for the father to work and provide financially for the family without being a role model in other ways. The author is able to provide multiple resources and a style that is appealing to the reader. It is made clear what the author expects a father’s role to be and this is easily understood and reiterated at the closing of the article. It has been brought to the reader’s attention that the way fatherhood is depicted on numerous television shows should be unacceptable to the viewers. The television shows that are popular and have been running for years are setting bad examples for the expectations of a father. The role of a father should be held to a higher standard and television shows such as Veronica Mars should become the new norm. Unfortunately it took years for television shows to evolve in this direction and it will probably take years for any changes to occur. The author has

successfully drawn attention to a topic that has been mostly overlooked for years and has basically become acceptable television in many households. I believe the author, Jaime J. Weinman, was effective in her line of reasoning in the article “Wow! A show with a smart father.” There were numerous examples of television shows that provided evidence for her claim. After reading the article I agree with the claim that is being made. Television shows can influence our perceptions of what is acceptable for a father’s role to be, and the majority of television shows discussed in the article depicts a very poor representation of fatherhood. Over the years television has definitely proved that it can influence an entire culture shift in what our perception of fatherhood should be. The father should not only be a provider but he should also be active in his child’s life. The article specifically discusses shows that have single mothers and absent fathers, fathers that are unable to provide any good advice to their children, and fathers that are definitely not good role models for their children. The article compares these shows to the show Veronica Mars where the father is actually depicted as the single parent and he is a good role model for his daughter. It states that he’s not only a good role model but he’s able to “lead-by-example” while being likable enough that his daughter wants to spend time with him. The article also points out how important it is that the father figure is portrayed as someone realistic, not a father that just sits and tells his children life stories and pretends to know where they are every minute of the day. Veronica Mars clearly shows that children will make mistakes but the parent’s guidance is ultimately the most important influence in their life.

Work Cited
Weinman, Jaime J. “Wow! A show with a smart father!” Maclean’s 119.39 (2006): 60. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 1 Sept. 2011.

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