ABC Family Presents: "The Fosters" (Television series)

I'm really excited to see "The Fosters" made it onto television, because I know a group called, "One Million Moms" asked people to  contact the companies providing ad support for this show, and complain. They wanted the show pulled because of the fact that the parents in this series were Lesbians. They didn't fit the "traditional" or "natural" definition of what a family should be according to OMM.  

Thankfully, they were unsuccessful in their mission!

Really quickly, I would like to say that I am glad to see a female couple, as opposed to a male couple being featured on this show. Gay male couples, or gay males in general have hogged the LGBT character slots on shows for a while, and lets face it space is limited. Mainstream shows with LGBT characters aren't exactly overflowing in numbers. The New Normal is canceled, and Glee is holding strong, but that show can't possibly constantly showcase everyone equally.  

Watch The First Episode of "The Fosters" Here! (ABC Family Website)

"The Fosters" Review By Gay Family Values (Video) ~ Check out their review for the show, and their YouTube channel if you get the time!

Issues That This Show Addresses

• Fostering children ~ Thank you ABC Family for this show because children in foster care need it. How many horror films have been made around the idea of a minor being adopted or fostered, and that child being the well meaning adoptive parents/fosters worst nightmare? Anything that can project positive imagery is something to be proud of.

• Definition of Family ~ Families come in different forms, and don't always meet what some people consider to be the "traditional" family unit. We live in a diverse society, and thus our families are. Some families are non-biological, or interracial. Some families aren't even comprised of a mother and father, but instead are headed by LGBT parents, an aunt, uncle, grandparents, or even a sibling. The Fosters promotes the idea that family isn't just blood, or people who look like you, but that family is people that are there for you, and love you unconditionally.

 

• Identity/Self ~ All of the children, except one, is a teenager. These are the years in which people start to develop an idea/foundation of who they are. Add to the mix that these children are struggling with emotional issues due to abandonment or abuse, and you got what could be a bumpy ride. The two main characters struggling right now are the adopted daughter who secretly reached out to her biological mom (only to have dear mom, use her for funds, and then walk away) and Cali (the new foster) who is dealing with emotional issues of her own. Her main issue on the first episode was finding her younger brother, and keeping him safe.

 

• Stereotypes ~ LGBT characters on television have long suffered the fate of being one giant stereotype. Even Glee is guilty of stereotyping at some points. LGBT characters have long been the joke of a show, or have simply been showcased as what people expect to see when they think "Gay". The Fosters seems to be presenting the couple as average everyday people. No over the top comical or dramatic personalities. I pray that they approach every character that way. Along side combating the gay stereotype, this show isn't indulging in  racial stereotypes.

 

When I think of this show, I think of this quote:

 

That is what this series is about, that at the end of the day regardless of our differences we are all human. That is our commonality, and we should never forget it.  

Rating (based on first episode): This show has really great promise!

4 1/2 stars out of 5

 

A Clip From The Second Episode of "The Fosters"

 

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I would like to take this time now, and remind everyone that "Switched at Birth" is returning to ABC Family in just a few short days. The series is scheduled to return on, June 10, 2013 at 8/7c



Who isn't excited to see the return of this show?

Preview of "Switched at Birth" (Video)

The second episode of "The Fosters" will air right after the season premiere of "Switched at Birth" so stay tuned!

 

For the Netflix subscribers out there:  I would like to remind you that if you missed anything on "Switched at Birth" last season or haven't seen the show at all, but would love to start now, then catch up via Netflix, and be ready for June 10!



COMING SOON! ABC Family Presents: "The Fosters" (Television series)

 I'm excited to hear

are coming to ABC Family!

_________________________________________________

 

Series Premiere on June 3, 2013

9/8c

 The Fosters: Extended Preview (Video)

 

Learn more about the cast, and show here! (Website) 

 

 



Beyond the Myth: The Truth About Pit Bulls (2010)

"Please, educate don't legislate!"

 "Beyond the Myth" (2010)

Director: Libby Sherrill
 Approximate runtime: 1 hr. 34m

 

"Beyond the Myth: The Truth About Pit Bulls" Trailer Can Be Watched Here!



"Beyond the Myth is a film about dogs commonly referred to as "pit bulls" and those who love and defend these breeds. It explores the contributing factors behind the public's generalized fear of "pit bulls," and examines the conflict existing between advocates and opponents of breed discriminatory laws, as carried out in three cities that ban pit bull-type dogs: Denver, Miami, and Cincinnati-along with San Francisco, which requires the animals to be spayed and neutered."   

~ Summary taken from www.imdb.com 

 

 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

 

I was searching through the  database on Netflix looking for a documentary to watch online, and came across this lovely gem. It was recommended to me via Netflix, but I hesitated about watching it because I didn't want to be depressed. I wanted to watch something that had a feel good vibe to it, and had me smiling (at least on the inside) when the credits rolled. So, long story short, I skipped over this documentary, and continued my search.

 

But, when all was said and done I chose to watch it. The movie poster kept catching my eye when I would scroll through the listings. I remember thinking they made really beautiful color and design choices with this poster. I wanted to know what stories were attached to it, while at the same time dreading the idea of knowing.

 

 I pressed play, and my journey began...

 

This documentary is emotionally charged with personal stories, but stands firmly grounded in facts and statics that are taken from trustworthy resources. It is through this combination of emotion and fact that the goal of getting beyond the myth of what it means to be a pit bull is achieved.  This documentary is an outcry to the public to demand that  the true problems  be addressed. Where do we start in addressing these problems? One residence of Miami-Dade County recommends, "We start by looking at the animal on the opposite end of the leash, the one with two legs, not four."

Discrimination is being directed at  pit bulls, mixes, and dogs who simply have the physical characteristics of a pit bull. Temperament of the dogs aren't even being bought into question. Being born a pure breed pit bull, or a mix  guarantees a dog death in certain cities across America.  When you hear the stories of families who  had their pets taken away, for no reason other then their designated breed, it makes your  heart break. This discrimination is wrong. 

We know that it is wrong to discriminate, and make such sweeping generalizations about people, so why is it okay to do so with animals? Shouldn't animals, like people be judged on a case by case basis? This documentary asks viewers to open their minds, and their hearts. See not what the media has labeled this breed as, but what they really can be. They can be and are for many people, a loving family pet, and service dog (for emotionally or physically disabled individuals).

I would recommend for the tender of heart to have a tissue or three on hand if they decide to watch this documentary. For those of you who shrug your shoulders, and say, "Why should I care? These people aren't me, and this doesn't concern my family's dog."  I would say to you, that it COULD BE your family pet on the chopping block, so approach the issue from that vantage point. You never know when your pet might be on the receiving end of this discrimination.

I mentioned earlier, that I  had reservations about watching this film, and wondered where I would be emotionally when it came to a close. I can surprisingly say, that I am not depressed, but a mixture of emotions. My heart goes out to the many animals and owners who have been affected by laws like these. It hurts to know that there are emotionally sound animals being taken away from their families, never to see them again. Scared, and in distress.

I'm also left with a sense of hope.  Knowing there are people out there fighting back against these laws, speaking out, against things like this (and other injustices)makes me feel that we could be okay in the long run. Driven home is the cruelty of breed specific bans , and how critical it is, as a country, to come together for the dogs, and for ourselves."Beyond The Myth: The Truth About Pit Bulls" leaves you with this question: If we allow laws like this to stand, how far will they go?Where is the line drawn?