Random Family: Love, Drugs, Trouble and Coming of Age in the Bronx

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Recommended: An essay on developmental theories

Several things are evident throughout the novel Random Family. One is that the neighborhood the characters live in is one of the poorest in the Bronx. Due to this fact, there are many residents there who have turned to the sale of illegal substances in order to have the finances needed to survive on. This, in turn, leads to aliances with these less than honorable characters in order for the books characters to try and rise above the poverty. When the books main figures see the drug dealers bringing in $5-50,000 a week, dressed in leather and gold chains, and riding around in limosines; it makes it hard to turn away from such finery when they’ve gone their entire lifetime without. However, by getting themselves involved in such activities, they put not only theirselves, but their entire family at risk as well.

According to the Developmental Systems Theory by Virginia Satir, a persons entire family works together as one unit. This family unit can create either positive or negative traits amongst each other. Also, the actions of each single individual within this group affects all the remaining members of the family in a myriad of ways.

We can see this in Jessica and Boy George’s relationship. Though they are not related by blood or kinship by marriage, they share a bond that may be seen as even closer, in some aspects, due to the commongrounds of their inner-city life, dealings within the ghetto environment, and of course their day-to-day struggle for survival.

Because of these reasons, and others perhaps unmentioned, Jessica becomes involved in Boy George’s heroin trade. She fronts for him, helps cut and package the product, takes and re-directs his business calls, and many other duties. In time, both Jessica and Boy Georg...

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...yle that is truly beneficial to both persons involved in a relationship is Agape. The Agape love style shows unselfish concern along with physical sacrafice and a nurturing for others. Nowhere in either of these two relationships could it be said that there was an Agape love style shown. In truth, it appears that no relationships that occurred in Random Family, whether it be with a significant other or within a family unit itself, had the aspects of an Agape style love in them.

Another major theme throughout Random Family is the tumultuous existence of being in the lowest socio-economic status and living in generational poverty. According to Hansell’s lowest level of Instrumental Needs, one should have the following things: food, clothing, shelter, money, health services, and safety. These are all basic physiological needs and are required for our basic survival.

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