The Interactional View

The Interactional View is one of the hardest and biggest concepts that we have covered in class but it is also one of my favorite ones to relate to. The reason for why I enjoyed this concept more is because the view brings up more personal connection and which it then makes it easier to understand. For example, the family systems and the roles that each family member plays within each family. Our text defines the general system theory as, "Study of living entities as they attempt to remain in dynamic balance making constant adjustments much like the cybernetic tradition" (Griffin). 

Being able to define this definition must have been challenging because I believe to really understand and be able to take the definition a part to understand it as well is difficult. But in class I believe watching the movie, What is Eating Gilbert Grape really brought to life the true meaning of the Interactional View because the two sayings within the movie was, keep mom and Arne happy. If either of the two are not happy or calm, than the whole family has to adjusts to the craziness and the house turns into a hectic motion. 

Bringing the Interactional View to life within my life involves exploring each of the roles of my family members including my pets. I have comet o the conclusion that my father is not only the provider of the family but he is more of the supporter. He is always there when either my brother or I need anything such as money, advice my dad is the one we always go to. My mom is the baker within the family and she is the cook and gardner, she is the one who focuses more on feeding the children and the family and playing more of a true and traditional mother role. My brother is the role model to me but in the family I believe that he is the hard worker and one who always brings a smile to everyone's face. As for me, I am the colorful one within the family. I not only wear bright colors at all times but I always keep a smile on my face because to my family I am the person that they turn to for happiness and uplift advice. As for my dogs, Reilly our family dog who is a border collie is the athletic one. He constantly needing a run or to go outside and throw the ball or frisbee so in a sense he helps us as a family stay active as well. For me little dioxin, Nico he is known as the needy one in the family. He is constantly wanting a treat and if he does not receive what he wants all he does is whine, whine and whine. Though he is always needy he is the one who will always be there for you in the end. When I am down or upset he can sense it and at the end of the day, he never leaves my side. 

Stopping and thinking about our families and the roles that one plays within a family is quit the eye opening and jaw dropping assignment. A family brings many different kinds of emotions but in the end, our family is what we are made of and if it was not for our family who would we be? And the question I would like to leave with all with is if you were placed within a different family would you play a different role within that family or would you act the same way?