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In Reply to: The Family is not a monolithic entity posted by A reader on August 14, 2002 at 05:42:04:
i would agree that for the most part that the inner circle of family leadership is a tightly controlled group. even w/in that group, some differences in veiwpoint and adherence to the "teachings" vary, i believe, (certainly in practical application.) but significant differences are pretty quickly brought into subjection.
BUT, i would disagree that the family as a whole can be termed "monolithic" in beliefs or practices. like any organization, you've got your "yes men" and the more independent types, who go by their own rules, and redefine their involvment according to their own visions. (i tried this for a long time...but eventually the divergence became too much even for my highly motivated "cognitive dissonance"..some are more gifted than i at living w/ incongruence.) Corresponding w/ different folks, or visiting different homes, you will find very different approaches to many issues and practices, i believe. when someone posted here about the experience one of their kids had visiting an ex-spouse that was "in", and then generalized "the family does...." i had to think how different my own experience w/ an ex-spouse still in has been. (2 of my kids , NOT profam by ANY means, just returned w/ a very different report. )
so in my opinion, it may be accurate to speak of "the family is.." when referring to the inner circle of leadership, but innaccurate (and possibly unhelpful) if applied to the rank and file as a whole. we should not lose sight of individuals.imo.
