Negative Impact of Family Guy on Children: A Critical Analysis

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Family Guy depicts a dysfunctional family living in Quahog, Rhode Island. The family includes parents Peter and Lois, kids Meg, Chris, and Stewie, and the dog Brian. Known for its adult humor, the show generates differing reactions from parents - some allow their children to watch it while others are hesitant due to its controversial content. The debate centers on whether or not Family Guy has a negative impact on children; I personally believe that it does.

The language in Family Guy is extremely vulgar, crude, dirty, and coarse.

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This could negatively influence children who may imitate it at school or home. Additionally, the show includes violence and sexist behavior, such as one character calling another a "bitch." Parents worry that their children may copy the behaviors they see on the show without realizing they are inappropriate.

Using discriminatory language in a show can negatively influence children by normalizing inappropriate behavior towards individuals of various backgrounds. An example of this is seen in episode two of season eight, where Peter's comment to Lois perpetuates harmful stereotypes by stating that "Jews are gross."

Scientology is unique in having the word "ew" within its name.

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Alongside this, discriminatory remarks towards people of color are depicted, like a scenario involving Kermit the frog and a black man fleeing slavery on a boat. The man seeks directions from Kermit, only to be met with hostility as Kermit brandishes a shotgun and instructs him to return to his origin. Such negativity can adversely affect children's social interactions in public settings.

The mocking of amputees and sexist remarks in shows like Family Guy can have a negative impact on how children interact with others who have disabilities or are of a different gender.

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For instance, a character named Joe in the show is made fun of for not having legs, such as in the episode where it is said "no legs no service." Additionally, the show frequently portrays women in a derogatory manner, with references to them belonging only in the kitchen or being good for making sandwiches and babies. This perpetuates harmful stereotypes and sends the message to young viewers that women are not valued for anything beyond traditional gender roles.

The usage of offensive language towards women is prevalent in the show, with characters like Quagmire using derogatory terms like whores, bitches, and sluts. Additionally, Peter's daughter Meg is constantly mistreated by everyone around her. In one episode, she is shamed for having sexual relations with a guy who later breaks up with her, and in another episode, her mother steals her boyfriend away. These negative portrayals of women contribute to the overall negative influence of the show.

Peter consistently ignores her while Brian consistently harasses her, creating a message for viewers that mistreating women is acceptable as long as they remain by your side. Despite the pranks and insults Peter directs at Lois, she never walks away from him. Additionally, the prevalence of violence and reckless behavior is a prominent aspect of Family Guy, with characters frequently getting hurt or engaging in illegal activities such as drug use. Episodes focus on drug-related themes, with Peter, Lois, and Brian depicted using marijuana, methamphetamine, and cocaine.

One episode depicts Peter bringing Stewie to a man who injects him with steroids to make him stronger after being attacked by a girl baby. This implies that drug use is acceptable because it is shown on "Family Guy". The show only portrays humorous situations or characters emerging unscathed from them, without showing any negative consequences or real effects of drug use. This may lead children to believe that drug use is harmless and they may be more likely to try drugs if offered by friends, leading to potential hospitalization or even death.

Exposure to violent scenes on television, like Stewie shooting Louis and pushing her off a boat only for her to come back to life, can be confusing for children who may not grasp the fictional nature of these actions. For instance, if a child discovers a gun in their parent's drawer and unintentionally shoots someone while playing, they may struggle to comprehend the permanent consequences of death in reality.

There are those who believe that Family Guy should be discontinued due to its potential negative impact on children who may have difficulty differentiating between reality and fiction, as well as comprehending moral principles. The show's depiction of violence, drugs, sex, coarse language, racism, and other unsuitable material makes it more appropriate for adult viewers. As a result, it is important to recognize the potential harm that these programs can pose to younger audiences.