The New Normal

Media is such a powerful tool that we sometimes underestimate or forget about. What we watch on TV sets some our societal norms and makes things seem more or less favourable.

Something which I recently found interesting is a new American show aired on Channel Four, The New Normal. Simply put the show is about a homosexual couple who want to have a child and have to find a surrogate. Quickly finding the ideal candidate, they welcome the surrogate into the family and her nine-year old daughter. One of the interesting twists within the series is the surrogate grandmother who is a right-wing racist and homophobic, whose opinions can be found challenging and rude. Through the approach of having a sweet and innocent surrogate whose characteristics are strongly contrasted with the grandmother's, the show successfully brings to light several issues that gay couples face in their daily life and how homosexuality is by far an accepted aspect of life.

I do not believe that 10 years ago this show would have been aired nor would it would be successful enough to reach the United Kingdom. Although it was rejected to be broadcasted by KSL-TV (associated with NBC) it still won the People's Choice Award for best new TV comedy. What does this say about the public?

KSL-TV rejected the show because it was not suitable to be aired on prime family television time, highlighting how some parts of society still struggle to accept homosexuality. I am not one to make a judgement against homosexuality, personally I believe that each individual knows what they like and what feels right for them. However, I have never really had an opinion about gay parents adopting a child. Although this show is not unique in bringing to light some of the issues gay parents face when adopting, with Desperate Housewives among others having touched on the issue, it does fruitfully demonstrate contrasting opinions. 

One of the strongest arguments against homosexual couples adopting a child is that the child will not have the appropriate role models: a father and mother figure, which may cause confusion for them. But in a society with increasingly more single-parents the argument is thinning. Moreover, in many cases having a mother and father does not necessarily lead to a structured individual. Each generation is becoming more and more insecure and distant from their parents, so what is the problem with same-sex parents? 

The role of this show has been pivotal in my understanding of gay parents adopting a child. Not personally knowing many gay couples, the issue of them being able to adopt children has been distant. However, having started to watch this new TV comedy I have begun to formulate an opinion on the issue and understand it more. I experienced first-hand the role of media in formulating opinions.