Growing up in the suburbs of Long Island, New York, familial respect and appreciation has been inculcated into my values for as long as I can remember. I feel that a major factor that has influenced my personal identity is that when growing up, I never had a television in my bedroom. With the absence of this medium led to a positive outcome. However, in elementary and middle school this arrangement felt like a punishment. Growing up without a television in my bedroom led me to develop useful and advantageous study techniques. Also, this enforced the notion that television should be watched in the company of others, as means of a social, bonding experience.
Throughout my youth, my family had many traditions and Monday nights were when one of them took place. Every Monday I would return from East Hills Elementary School and my Grandma would be there. We would all eat dinner together and then at 7 pm we would watch our favorite show, 7th Heaven. Simply, the show follows the Camden family and their seven children as they mature, dealing with fundamental real-life issues. The family is made up of the parents Reverend Eric and Annie Camden and their kids Lucie, Ruthie, Simon, Matt, Mary, Sam, and David. Each child was in a different, vital stage of life. The reason why I felt so connected to this television show was because of the suburban life style that paralleled my life at the time.
There are many ideologies that were projected through my connection to the television show 7th Heaven including political, social, and ethical ideologies. One of my political ideologies that has been influenced by my experiences is that I developed opinions that guided my political goals as to how society should function and be organized. 7th Heaven did not directly affect my thoughts on how these goals should be achieved, however the show did lead me to form my own beliefs. Many social ideologies seen throughout 7th Heaven have greatly affected my views on life in relation to family, friends, and society. I truly understood the importance of family. Reverend Eric and Annie Camden raised their seven kids with respect, discipline, character, and most importantly, love. 
Each child had his or her own distinct relationship with his or her siblings. As my Grandma and I watched this show more and more, I learned to cherish my kinship and bond with my younger brother, Danny. In the show, Simon and his younger sister Ruthie had a very special relationship. Although she was younger than Simon, he valued her advice, her auspice, and always sought her guidance. Just like Ruthie, Danny’s support has helped me throughout my life. Danny and I have a very special relationship. The divorce of our parents brought us tremendously closer. As a fourteen year old with high functioning Asperger’s Syndrome it was very hard for him to grasp the idea of a family splitting up. Just as he would do for me, I came to his rescue, helping him to understand what was going on from an unbiased view being that we were both dealing with the harsh conditions of reality. Danny looks up to me not only as his sister but also as a best friend and role model.
I have also learned to respect my parents and their morals. As a Reverend, Eric Camden gave great advice and counseling to those in need, especially his children. In the first season of 7th Heaven in 1996, Reverend Eric Camden said, “There’s always going to be somebody who’ll try to take dignity and self-esteem. Just never let them take your voice.” This quotation is very important in regards to social and ethical ideologies. He was always open to speaking his mind honestly and sincerely. Reverend Camden said, “All right, Simon, I don’t like what you have been doing. And it’s really difficult to believe that after growing up in this family, you could just so easily abandon what you’ve been taught… I hate what you’ve been doing, but I love you.” The Camden family dog, Happy, is loved by the whole family! Just like Happy, my whole family loves Phoebe. My dad is the closest to her. In 7th Heaven, Ruthie was closest to Happy because there was a big age difference between her and her siblings, creating distance between them. My dad and Phoebe have a great relationship because he was the one to always walk her, feed her (dog and human food!), and give her the most attention.
By watching this show I saw the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships and stable and unstable friendships. Even at such a young age in Elementary school, I understood what was and was not supposed to happen. I learned to be cautious whom you trust and to be aware of deception. This relates to ideas in Persepolis (2007), the text and the movie, in regards to the idea that what you see and experience greatly influences your interests and values. Just as her peers influenced Marjane politically, socially, and ethically, my viewing of 7th Heaven influenced my different ideologies. When she became friends with a new clique, she changed the way she dressed and acted in order to fit in with the group. Marjane’s grandmother said to her, “Keep your dignity and be true to yourself.” This insightful advice relates to the way that Reverend Camden consulted his family and church. I can connect with Marjane based on our individual transition into new subcultures. Just as I came to college in a new place trying to find my niche, Marjane had the same triumph. Her values and interests changed when she found a new place she was comfortable in.
The theme song for the television show sets the tone of what the show will be like perfectly. It shows different relationships, occupation, and social aspects of the show.
