G-Chattin’ Modern Family: “Two Monkeys and a Panda” [TV Correspondent Tryout]
Amber: Oprah changes lives, girl. That’s real. Accept it! Lol. So, um … Pandas aren’t even native to Vietnam. * Fierce side-eye * WOMP. Way to make a stupid (and pretty offensive) generalization. Cam and Mitchell definitely struggle with how to really appreciate Lily’s ethnic background and therefore, how to deal with the ways it will inevitably shape her life experiences and self-perception.
Liz: Girl I was gonna look that up! Plus, notice that they said, “Panda because she’s Asian.” It’s hard to appreciate her background without knowing much about it. And although that is her background, she’s growing up in a completely different environment that will be just as much a part of her identity. It’s a balancing act that any parent isn’t just born knowing how to manage. Which is why you hear of the dumbass approaches some parents have to questions that arise.
Amber: I agree it’s hard to appreciate something that you don’t know or understand, but I’m sure that they could educate themselves on some of the specifics. I think an important part of the parents’ job is to learn about it! The purpose of Cam’s scrapbook was to help remove the stigma from adoption. It seemed as if Cam was trying to emphasize where Lily is from originally and how she ended up with himself and Mitchell–the entire process. (Sidenote: the scenes with Cam freaking out pre-adoption were priceless. I was doubled over with laughter.) So, I think it may be unfair to trivialize her ethnic background in order to “better” integrate her into their family, because her race/ethnicity is something she won’t necessarily be able to ignore and she may very well have questions about her “differences” as she grows older. It would be nice if they were prepared. On another note, in a way Manny is also part of an interesting familial structure. Having been adopted by Jay and the son of a first generation immigrant, Gloria, his identity also may very well be shaped by the clash of cultures there.
Liz: Totally. Parenting is never easy, in any circumstance, so there’s no reason to not try and be prepared! One of my favorite episodes is the one where Gloria has Jay doing all kinds of crazy stuff because “it’s her culture,” and in reality, she’s getting back at him for making fun of her culture. Love it. (I know someone who has told people she grew up with lions in Africa and they believe her. Ignorant white people. Lol.) It is interesting to see Manny also navigating two “worlds.” And Jay clearly is not the type to “prepare” for parenting – he’s already raised two children and still makes the most ridiculous comments/actions towards his gay son.
Amber: Lol. Yeah, I think Jay is supposed to represent that cocky white male, who probably initially didn’t care much about Manny, but has grown to really love him. His interactions with his own kids are definitely interesting, but I think realistic in a way. He loves Mitchell, but is having trouble adjusting to his lifestyle. That’s real and frustrating, but I think it’s a little refreshing to see them work it out on screen. It is also refreshing to see Jay relinquish some of his stubborn “What do you mean? I’m ALWAYS right” (read: wealthy white heterosexual male) privilege in dealing with Manny and Gloria. Btw, Sofia Vergara is excellent and hilarious…I must admit though that I’m often asking myself if I’m OK with the way the writers use her character. Gloria fits neatly into many stereotypical representations, read: fiery, sexy, often objectified (like in this problematic interview) latina. Also I’m often uncomfortable with the way the writers sometimes use her accent as the butt of a joke.
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