It was among the most eagerly awaited television revivals of recent years—perhaps even the decade. When the announcement came from ABC that “Roseanne” was making a comeback, the online world erupted with excitement. Nostalgic fans dusted off their old flannel shirts and reminisced about the ’90s, proclaiming that a dose of irreverent humor and a portrayal of “real” American family life was just what we needed.
I, however, was skeptical. Really? Are we genuinely enthusiastic about a woman who once donned a Hitler costume (claiming it was satire) and frequently shares bizarre conspiracy theories? What on earth is happening?
Unlike many of my peers, I didn’t grow up with fond memories of this show about a working-class family. My parents found it distasteful and forbade me from watching it. Back then, I felt embarrassed that they were so “uncool” (though I secretly disliked the incessant bickering), but in hindsight, they were ahead of their time. They were right—this show is downright dreadful.
I understand the initial allure. Roseanne Conner wasn’t your typical TV mom. She drank, swore, and didn’t shy away from confronting her kids. That rebellious spirit drew viewers in. The original series was even praised for its honest depiction of working-class struggles and, I’ll admit, it had its moments of humor.
However, the reboot has lost any semblance of the redeeming qualities it once had. While it still attempts to capture the daily challenges faced by many working-class families and highlights the political rift in American households, it crosses a line. The difference between healthy political discourse and normalizing hate, bigotry, and ignorance is stark, yet the show chooses the latter by aligning its titular character with Trump’s ideology. Roseanne Conner, like Roseanne Barr, is unapologetically pro-Trump, complete with a MAGA hat. This treatment of the presidency as ordinary is a significant problem.
My issue with the show isn’t rooted in party politics—there have been many Republicans I’ve respected in the past. This is about normalizing a figure who doesn’t act in a presidential manner or even as a decent person. It trivializes the real struggles faced by marginalized communities and equates misinformation and hate with facts and decency—something that should never be acceptable, even if it comes with a side of humor.
Recently, the show went too far. In one episode, Roseanne and her daughter Darlene clash over parenting styles. When Darlene’s daughter Harris expresses superiority over her “hillbilly” relatives, Roseanne retorts by calling her an “entitled little brat” and then proceeds to spray her with the kitchen sink’s sprayer. What?! In what reality is this behavior acceptable? This isn’t tough love; it borders on abusive.
I’m not opposed to some colorful language, but my number one rule is no name-calling—regardless of the words used. Basic kindness and decency should prevail, but clearly, that isn’t a priority in Roseanne’s world. The physical act of shoving a child’s head under a sink is simply unacceptable.
Responses were predictably mixed. Many took to social media to voice their discontent. As if normalizing a presidency rooted in hate and the abusive tendencies of the main character weren’t enough, the show also made insensitive jabs at marginalized communities. Writer Kevin Brooks criticized a joke about “missing all the shows about Black and Asian families,” pointing out how it belittles those narratives. He articulated that when Roseanne claimed, “They’re just like us,” it reduced the essence of minority stories to mere normalization, disregarding their depth and significance.
It’s crucial to recognize that we deserve better as individuals and as a society. We shouldn’t seek humor from a conspiracy theorist who disguises her prejudice with claims of economic concern. The options are plentiful if you’re looking for genuine portrayals of American life—turn to shows like “black-ish” or “Bob’s Burgers” for laughs, or catch some classic “Golden Girls” reruns for a dose of nostalgia. If you want to see a family at odds, look no further than “Game of Thrones.”
In conclusion, the “Roseanne” reboot ultimately fails to deliver anything meaningful. If you’re interested in exploring home insemination methods or related topics, check out this resource, where you can find valuable information. For more information on pregnancy options, visit WebMD.
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