One common theme is lack of communication. Family members might not talk openly or listen to each other. Another is abuse, which can be physical, emotional or even financial. And there's often a lot of conflict, like constant arguing over small things or big issues like inheritance.
Power imbalances are also common. There might be a dominant family member who controls everything and doesn't allow others to have a say. This can prevent the family from functioning as a healthy unit. In a family where the grandmother has all the power, she might make decisions that are not in the best interest of the younger generations, causing friction within the family.
One common theme is the struggle for identity. In a dysfunctional family, characters often have a hard time figuring out who they are because of the chaos and abnormal family dynamics. For example, in 'The Glass Castle', Jeannette Walls has to constantly re - evaluate herself in relation to her family's strange values and behaviors. Another theme is the cycle of abuse. Many of these books show how abuse, whether it's physical, emotional or psychological, gets passed down from one generation to the next. 'We Need to Talk About Kevin' touches on this as the mother tries to understand if there was something in their family upbringing that led to Kevin's actions.
One story could be a teenager in a dysfunctional family where the parents are constantly arguing. The teen, feeling neglected, starts acting out online. Other kids in the school then start cyberbullying the teen, spreading rumors about the family situation. This makes the teen feel even more isolated.
Another theme is the impact of racism. Racism from the outside world seeps into the family, causing internal strife. For example, it can make family members feel inferior or lead to different reactions among them, some becoming bitter while others try to resist in different ways. This often creates a dysfunctional dynamic within the family. It's not just about the external discrimination but how the family copes or fails to cope with it. And this can be seen in many works that explore black families dealing with dysfunction.
One common aspect in short stories about dysfunctional families is the lack of communication. For example, in many stories, family members might not express their true feelings or needs, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts. This can be seen as a way to show the complexity within the family unit.
Sure. One story could be about a family where the parents are constantly arguing. The father is an alcoholic and the mother is a workaholic to avoid being at home. The children feel neglected and start to act out in school. One of the kids, a teenage boy, gets into trouble with the law because he's looking for attention in all the wrong places.
One way is to seek therapy. A professional can help you understand your feelings and how to deal with the past. Another way is to distance yourself from the toxic family environment if possible.
Often, the lack of support within the family is depicted. For instance, when a family member is facing a difficult situation, instead of getting help from the family, they are met with indifference or even criticism. This lack of support is a typical characteristic of dysfunctional families in short stories.
Alcoholism or drug abuse is also prevalent. The addicted family member, usually a parent, is unable to be a proper caregiver. This creates a cycle of neglect and chaos. In 'The Glass Castle', Jeannette's father's alcoholism was a major factor in the family's instability.
Exclusion is also a theme. There could be a family where one member is always left out. At Christmas, they are not included in the family photo or are given the least attention. This makes them feel unwanted and adds to the dysfunction of the family during the holiday season.