What is considered a family these days?

[ChiefHappyButt]

I just listened to Billy Crystal's joke about Strom Thurmond, and got to thinking.

There are so many ways to define family.

I have a son that lives with his mother.

I work with an open lesbian with two sons.

I work with someone that had a baby Friday night, and her husband doesn't give a damn. He wasn't even there. His classes were more important.

Anyone have a good definition of family?

Extra credit: what the hell are family values?

[Bertha Venation]

1. We choose who our families are.

I guess there's the "blood relative" definition.

That doesn't work for me. My family consists of my beloved; my sisters & their kids; my one brother-in-law; Dale, my best friend; Karen, a longtime family friend (heh heh -- just to throw in a little confusion there, "family friend" ;)); and of course my in-laws.

That my family consists partially of my blood family doesn't really matter. That two non-blood and non-marriage relatives are included, and that part of my blood family is excluded, is telling: it says: I chose my family. I define who my family is.

[Mikimouse]

2. My definition as I use it in class...

A group of people, related by blood, marriage or some other agreed upon relationship, who share social responsibility.