Blog 22 Abstract

The writers of the series Firefly redefine the conventional meaning of family by introducing a group of people that are united for a common cause and functoin as a family, but are not related by blood. The definition of a family is a basic social unit consisting of parent and their children, but in current times the meaning of family has shifted to being more loosely defined. There are many groups of people that function like a family like close roommates, support groups, sports fans and GBLT families. The support groups such as the ones for cancer patients provide aid to those people in getting medical treatment and providing long term support for them, so they can continue living happy lives. Each of these different groups is united through a commonality among its members and share a unique bond with each other much like family members. The roar of sports fans in a stadium cheering on their team against a common enemy creates a common cause and unrivaled comradery among the fans. If their team wins they will all celebrate together, if they lose they will mourn together and in the rough times they root their team on to victory. Many people will argue that these groups are not families, however this paper will provide evidence that will prove they are. These groups are united through a unique bond, provide support for each other and help each other function.  The crew of Serenity in the series Firefly support each other and need each other to function much like groups today and function dynamically like a family.