If you have not heard of Free Form's television series "The Fosters," let me tell you, you're missing out. It's been so long since I watched a show where social issues are talked about like in "The Fosters." If you want to learn more about the foster care system in the United States or want to binge on a show that discusses societal problems, then this is the series for you to obsess over. Don't worry, it's not boring and it's definitely not bias.
1. U.S. Foster System
Freeform's "The Fosters" depicts the problems occurring with the U.S. foster care system and how those problems greatly affect kids taken into foster care. This is an issue that isn't commonly talked about in society. Therefore, the fact that this show is representing the many problems and injustices within the foster care system in the U.S. is remarkable. One of the issues discussed in the series is how often kids are placed with families that have no true intention of taking care, helping or loving these kids--and are just in it for the money.
2. LGBTQ welcoming
In the series, the two foster parents who adopt Callie and her brother are Lena and Stef. However, they are not the only people from the LGBTQ community in the show. There is Callie's little brother Jude, Cole and Connor. The series depicts what people of the LGBTQ community go through and endure when they don't feel accepted or are scared to be themselves openly.
3. Sexuality
As I mentioned before, Jude is also part of the LGBTQ community. He's Callie's little brother and is a young teenager when he starts to realizes he's into boys and not girls. Often, young kids feel scared and ashamed to express their sexuality because of the way they may be treated or looked at. This is a very problematic societal issue that should be addressed more, and "The Fosters" is doing that. Kids should be able to be themselves without having any type of fear.
4. Women empowerment
Mariana is quite the strong female role in the series. She represents a girl who is focused in her academic work but one who also loves to be herself--and because of that she is confident. She loves to code and dance, plus she isn't afraid to feel and be sexy. A lot of people don't think women can be both smart and sexy. Women who believe this idea, usually believe it because they think they won't be taken serious if they're sexy along with showing their intelligence. On the contrary, Mariana shows it is possible for girls to be both smart and sexy.
5. Family
Society and the media have made people believe that the only perfect family is a traditional one. Meaning, one where all are connected by blood, there is both a father and mother and the dad works while the mom is a housewife. But hold up. That's totally wrong. Each family is perfect in their own way for what makes them each unique. In this case, the Foster family shows how love is stronger than DNA – and that's what actually brings people together, not blood.
6. Female-ran households
Many people believe that women can't run households and there has to be a male figure in the house in order for everything to run smoothly. Well, once again the Foster family has proven otherwise. Lena and Stef are both working women who run their household of five kids. They manage to handle their jobs, love life and family needs without the help of a male role in their house. Let's just say that although they have their little breakdowns, they manage to pick the family up and not give up. That's what makes a household run and not break. So ladies, you should not believe a household can't be ran by just women, because truth is, it can!
7. Gun control
***Spoiler alert*** If you have not yet watched the season four premiere, you might not want to keep reading. The first episode of season four joins the controversial debate over gun control in the U.S. At a time where our country has just experienced one of the worst massacres in history, this episode could not have aired at a better time. The episode reflects on how gun control is important because ,honestly, anyone can get a hold of a gun. In this case, one of the kids from school took his dad's gun to school and the rest is history (don't want to spoil it too much for you).
If you have not started watching The Fosters, I suggest you do! A little time on the couch this summer won't hurt you!
