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TheChangingFace

of theAmericanFamily

any people reflect nostalgically on the period from the late 1800s through the

mid-1900s.Television programs such asLeave It to BeaverandOzzie and Harriet

depict an idyllic family scene: a pleasant mom and dad,well-adjusted children,a happy

dog,a nice house with a white picket fence,and a dependable car in the driveway.The

most serious family problem could always be solved in the course of one program,

including commercials.Some might suggest these were“ideal times”or“the good old

days.”Has theAmerican family disintegrated since then? Is the 21st century American

family,as so often depicted by the media,in deep trouble?

He who brings trouble on his family will inherit only wind,

and the fool will be servant to the wise.

—Proverbs 11:29

This is not your grandfather’s family.

—Swindoll,2006

(^3) Modern History
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