This episode mainly centers around the parent-child drama in the Dunphy household. In addition, Jay and Gloria are getting ready to put on a birthday party for their baby’s first birthday. In the meantime, Manny tries to woo his head-cheerleader classmate, which is strongly discouraged by Jay.
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| Lying to their children |
There are two things that popped out to me in this episode that I would like to focus on and discuss. The first is the continuous lies the Dunphy parents tell to their children and what message is being passed on to their children. The episode begins with Luke getting ready to go to an anatomy class, or so he is told. It is actually a dance class that Phil wants Luke to take, but has to manipulate him into going. Claire also lies to her newly licensed daughter, Alex, in order to avoiding having to drive with her. What does this communicate to their children? As Luke himself says at the end of the episode, “What kind of lesson is that to teach all of us?!” I believe it teaches them that it is okay to lie in order to get what they want - a very selfish motive. I believe the writers of this episode wanted to highlight this increasing problem in society; that life is about us, and that it is okay to lie to get you want.
Secondly, there is a strong emphasize on the importance of physical appearance in romantic relationships. After his birthday party, Manny finds a coat left behind belonging to a classmate named Amy. He then takes this opportunity to do something special for her so that she will fall for him. Jay argues with Gloria that he doesn’t stand a chance with her, and that she is out of his league. He then proceeds to look at Manny’s year book to find someone that will better suit him, inquiring about what they look like, “from the neck down”. This of course is reference to their physical appearance suggesting that sexy, beautiful women cannot be with overweight gentleman, no matter how attractive his personality. However, this is male thinking. A women is often attracted to personality over looks, evident in Jay's own relationship with Gloria.
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| Accent or ballons? |
At one point Gloria asks Jay which one he likes better (In referring to the birthday party decor), the [colour] accents or the balloons. Jay replies, “I’ve been asking myself that since I met you.” It is obvious through this comment that most men, like Jay, prefer a women which large breasts. Gloria is the perfect example of the ‘sexy women’ stereotype. She appears in these episodes wearing tight revealing clothing and low cut tops that show off her large boobs. Jay also mentions her accent. Everyone knows that accents are hot, simply because it's different, and we live in a society where normal gets boring pretty fast. We always want more out of life and often are unsatisfied. This also objectifies women. She is wanted for her goods, not what she brings to the table personality wise.
Everything is worked out in the end, and everyone is one, big happy family. Or are they?
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