Families once consisted of a providing father, a homemaking mother, and a couple of adorable, loving children. Then, consumerism, individualism, rock music, feminism, and other evils of modern life invaded the American culture, ruthlessly destroying "family values." Divorce rates increased, and single and teenage women entered the status of motherhood with supportive, providing husbands by their sides. But blame cannot be placed on a decline in traditional family values; instead, as American culture changes, values must adjust as well.

Originally, marriage was just another patriarchal institution created to bind a wife to her husband in an already male dominated society. Women had virtually no rights except to bear children, keep a house sparkling, and cook meals all for her husband. Feminism cannot be considered decay in the morals of American life, but rather, advancement for all mankind. Civilization cannot grow to its fullest potential if half its population is oppressed.

As women become ever increasingly liberated, the need for men to provide for and support them and even their children decreases. Women can choose to work in any job for which they are qualified, although for slight less pay than their male counterparts since gender equality has not yet been quite perfected. Unwed mothers need not search for a father to support their families. Women are wholly capable of providing and caring for their offspring and themselves on their own.

However, should a couple fall in love, marry, and produce children as a result of a loving union, the family should work as a cooperative, not an idealistic "dad brings home the bacon, mom takes care of the house" unit. The traditions of the past must adapt for the present. (America would not be as free a country as it is now if the tradition of slavery had not been questioned and abolished.)

Unfortunately, not all marriages continue nor sometimes begin as loving cooperatives. Perhaps abuse, neglect, or infidelity occur; or perhaps the couple simply "falls out of love." In some circumstances, marriage ensued without any loving commitment but for lust or an "illegitimate" child, but whatever the case, a man and woman should not be forced to remain in a joyless, essentially outdated marriage. Unhappy, unhealthy relationships seem more of a breach of American "family values" than greatly stigmatized divorce, especially if children are involved.

Although parents might believe "staying together for the kids" is in the best interest of their offspring, children are not stupid, seeing through the act their parents put on. If fact, children are more negatively affect by a destructive household produce by an angry and warring mom and dad than divorce resulting in two homes with two fairly happy parents.

Certainly views on the family have altered since the idealistic "father, mother, and children" image began changing due to divorce and single parenthood among other factors. However, in an ever-changing society, American "family values" must also evolve.