Please, Please, Tell Me…

In this holiday season what are “family values”? So many people say they are for family values… but what are they? Is it “Father Knows Best” values? Or are they the Bundy families in “Married with Children” values? Are they your "family values" or mine? Are they the "family values" of the Republicans or Democrats? Did we take a national poll to determine them? We all have a different notion of what are "Family Values."

Credit: Pat Byrnes, PoliticalCartoons.com / CTNewsJunkie via Cagle Cartoons / ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

OP-ED | The Continued Hypocrisy Of So-Called Family Values Conservatives
CT News Junkie
By Elwood Watson, Ph.D
December 11, 2023

Do as I say, not as I do. This sort of Victorian philosophy seems to be par for the course among many of the so-called family values conservatives.

Recent reports that Christian Ziegler, the husband of Moms for Liberty co-founder Bridget Ziegler, is under police investigation in Sarasota, Fla. following a rape allegation sent shockwaves through the right-wing echo chamber while eliciting eye rolls from many progressives and others on the cultural left.

[…]

The fact that Christopher and Bridgett Ziegler, both high level officials in Florida politics, were having group sex with a woman have led to accusations of hypocrisy from Democrats and LGBTQ groups.

“Family Values” are those “pie-in-the-sky” ideas like patriotism, apple pie, and god, everyone has them but everyone has their own ideal of them. When your child misbehaves do you A) Hit them with your belt? Or B) Give them a timeout? those are some people ideas of “Family Values.” “Our Country Right or Wrong” are some people ideas of "Family Values" but what does it mean? Do we stand by our country no matter what? Or do we try and change it… but then what do we change it to?

Groups like Moms for Liberty and their socially conservative co-horts often target everyone from drag queens to school officials of being sympathetic to sexual predators and similar deviants. Just last month, a similar story exposed a Philadelphia organizer for Moms of Liberty for his 2012 conviction of sexual abuse of a 14-year-old boy.

I find that there is probability those crying the loudest for “Family Values” have the worst values and think everyone else is like them.

With permission of the politically-infected racist and acidic climate of the Trump years, such rhetoric and sentiments were granted permissive license to expose and express themselves in the larger public domain, and have been eagerly embraced by those who identify with such a regressive value system.

It is incumbent upon those of us determined to reside in an America where diversity of all facets are allowed to flourish without fear of being harmed or silenced. The future of democracy, as we know it, may very well depend on it.

We each have a notion what “Family Values” are and they are all different.

Since we humans can’t decide on “Family Values” I turned to machines to ask that question…
Google’s Bard…

"Family values" is a broad term that encapsulates the guiding principles and beliefs that shape a family's identity and decision-making. It's essentially the moral compass that navigates their lives together. Here's a breakdown:

Core elements:

• Shared beliefs and ideals: These could be around things like honesty, respect, loyalty, compassion, hard work, or religious faith.
• Prioritization of family: Family comes first, and members support each other through thick and thin.
• Communication and understanding: Open and honest communication is crucial for resolving conflicts and building strong bonds.
• Traditions and rituals: Shared experiences and customs strengthen the family unit and create a sense of belonging.
• Roles and responsibilities: Each member has defined roles and contributes to the family's well-being.

Important to remember:

•     Variety and evolution: Family values differ across cultures, backgrounds, and even within families themselves. They can evolve over time as families adapt to changing circumstances.
•     Subjectivity and nuance: There's no one-size-fits-all definition of "good" family values. What matters most is that the values are shared, understood, and practiced by the family members.
•     Potential for conflict: Different values can clash, leading to disagreements and challenges. Open communication and respect are essential for navigating these situations.

Examples of common family values:

•     Love and affection
•     Honesty and integrity
•     Respect and trust
•     Compassion and empathy
•     Hard work and responsibility
•     Education and self-improvement
•     Community and service
•     Religious faith or spirituality

Ultimately, "family values" are about creating a supportive and loving environment where individuals can thrive and grow together. It's about shared understanding, mutual respect, and a commitment to building a strong family unit.

I hope this explanation helps! Feel free to ask further questions if you'd like to delve deeper into specific aspects of family values.

ChatGPT…

"Family values" typically refer to the moral and ethical principles that are considered important within a family unit. These values often guide the behavior, decisions, and priorities of family members. While the specific values can vary between cultures, religions, and individual families, some common elements often associated with family values include:

• Love and Support: Families often value unconditional love and support for one another. This involves showing care, empathy, and understanding.
• Communication: Open and effective communication is considered crucial for a healthy family. This includes sharing thoughts, feelings, and concerns in a respectful manner.
• Respect: Respecting each other's opinions, boundaries, and individuality is a key aspect of family values. This may involve treating each family member with kindness and consideration.
• Trust: Trust is foundational in family relationships. Family members generally strive to be reliable and trustworthy, fostering a sense of security within the family unit.
• Responsibility: Families often emphasize the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions and contributing to the well-being of the family as a whole.
• Tradition and Rituals: Many families place value on maintaining traditions and rituals that help create a sense of continuity, identity, and belonging.
• Ethical and Moral Standards: Families may uphold specific ethical and moral standards that guide their behavior. These standards often align with cultural or religious beliefs.
• Education and Personal Development: Valuing education and personal development is common among families, emphasizing the importance of learning, growth, and self-improvement.
• Caring for Others: Encouraging a sense of compassion and empathy toward others, both within and outside the family, is often considered a positive family value.

It's important to note that family values can vary widely among individuals and cultures, and there is no universally agreed-upon set of values. Additionally, families may evolve and adapt their values over time based on changing circumstances, experiences, and generational shifts.

I also asked Microsoft's AI...

Family values are a set of principles and beliefs that a family agrees upon and holds in high regard. These values serve as a guide, influencing familial relationships, individual behaviors, and the overall emotional growth of family members1

Some examples of family values are empathy, family time, honesty, love, loyalty, perseverance, and respect. Different families may have different values based on their culture, religion, and personal preferences2

Family values are important because they can help families cope with challenges, strengthen their bonds, and promote the well-being of each member. Family values can also shape the morals and worldview of children as they grow up32

If you want to learn more about family values, you can ask me follow-up questions or check out these web sources:

• 7 Values for Strong Families and How to Teach Them - WebMD
• Family values - Wikipedia
• Family Values: What Values Should I Instill In My Family? - ReGain

Did you notice something?

Bard: Love and affection, Honesty and integrity, and Compassion and empathy.

ChatGPT: Love and Support, Ethical and Moral Standards, and Caring for Others.

Microsoft's AI: empathy, honesty, and love.

 

The machines recognized that the primary “Family Value” is… Love and support.

 

Some families have hating those who are different as family traditions, some families embrace all and try to see the good in people as their tradition.

As we are in the holiday season, we open our hearts to all. We welcome the not only Christian celebrations, but also the Muslim and the Jewish holidays. We welcome those who celebrate Kwanzaa and the Three Kings Day.

We open our arms to our trans children, to our gay and lesbian children, we don’t throw them out on the street. We take and nurture their individuality to to grow and flourish. We guide them we do not tell them. We have a shoulder to cry on and a band aid... but most of all we let them learn to be themselves.

What is your family traditions and values?