FAMILY MATTERS - "Laura Wants to Buy

a Gun" - 1995
TRANSCRIPT OF THE VIDEO

hey hey girl those are some great

looking kicks girl oh well thanks you
know I had to babysit the Connelly twins
28 times to pay for
these aren't you afraid someone's going
to rip you off not unless they
stupid what are you doing with that
thing protecting what's mine and if you
had one you probably still have your
jacket well see you later Laura hey bye
girl when did you get that
thing there you are funny lips you know
you shouldn't walk to your car without
my protection Steve look I appreciate
your concern but I have to live my own
life is that why you didn't tell your
parents about that hooligan pulling a
gun on you they're worried enough about
me already hey Laura Steve hey Bobby hey
what's the skinny bobster well I uh I
heard about Laura's little problem what
problem you know what I'm talking about
words out the Tony and her friends
they're coming down on you and you are
not going to be safe unless you're
packing packing she's not going
anywhere come with me to Bobby Stop and
Shop oh my God those are guns keep your
voice down oh my my God those are
guns look at that oh what's that a
bazooka no it's a 357 Magnum and it's
way too big for the lady oh yeah you're
right it probably won't tuck neatly into
her fanny
pack excuse me I am trying to earn money
for law
school now if you don't see anything
that you like you tell me what you want
and I'll get it and for a good price uh
just ask Josie m- no way Bob no way in
Hades is Laura Winslow going to pack a
pickle Steve will you stay out of this
Laura you can't possibly be
interested I'm just looking look you
have had a gun pulled on you you need to
protect yourself she's got
me you need to protect
yourself Laura you need a lightweight
gun something that will fit in your
purse you want to hold it all right
how much is it why you can't do this I
said
no get out of
here she's been
shot
not they wanted her shoes god Josie you
should have given them the stupid
shoes somebody call 911 come on just pH
around the Cor
don't move
[Music]
her well Laura finally fell
asleep oh
God I'm so glad our baby's all right me
too
sweetheart how's
Josie well her mom said she's not going
to have full use of arm for a long
time yeah sweetheart as a cop I deal
with this kind of thing every
day but it doesn't hit home until it
happens to your own
child Laura is one of the most
levelheaded kids I
know I can't believe she was thinking
about buying a
gun imagine how frightened she had to be
to even consider
it you know when when I was in high
school my biggest fear was getting a
pimple the night before the
prom yeah but you know
Carl kids have a lot more to worry about
today like whether the person that butts
in front of the lunch line is carrying a
gun Josie's mom's thinking about moving
away but ain't nobody driving me out of
my home Carl
nobody that's not the answer it's
happening
everywhere what are we going to do K I
don't know baby but we going to do
something

A harrowing experience at school with a violent female gang has a shaken Laura wanting to buy a gun to
defend herself and Urkel begging her to change her mind.

Cast=

Laura

Harriette Baines Winslow-mother

Carl Winslow-Father

Steve Urkel-

Bobby-Selling gun to laura

Josie- the girl have gun and been shot

Note:post the question first then answer it in paragraph form

1. Identify key members of the family identified in the film (names, roles, approx ages)
In the film "Family Matters - Laura Wants to Buy a Gun" from 1995, key members of the family
are prominently featured, each playing distinct roles within the narrative. Laura Winslow, the
central character, is a high school student approximately aged 17-18. Her parents, Harriette
Baines Winslow and Carl Winslow, are integral figures in the family dynamic, providing the
foundation for support and guidance. The quirky and well-intentioned friend, Steve Urkel, also
plays a significant role in the family's interactions. Additionally, there are external influences,
such as Bobby, the individual selling guns, and Josie, a girl who becomes a victim of gun
violence during a school incident. The diverse roles and ages of these family members contribute
to the complexity of the familial relationships depicted in the film. Laura's age and position as a
high school student highlight her vulnerability and the challenges typical of adolescence, while
her parents represent the protective and authoritative figures navigating the complexities of
parenting in the face of a disturbing incident. Steve Urkel adds an element of humor and
friendship to the family dynamic, and external characters like Bobby and Josie introduce
elements of conflict and danger that impact the family's overall well-being.
2. Summarize the presenting problem/concern depicted by the family in the film
The central problem depicted in the film revolves around a harrowing experience at
school that deeply affects the Winslow family. Laura, the daughter, faces a significant
safety concern after a violent encounter with a female gang. This traumatic incident
prompts her to consider purchasing a gun for self-protection. The family becomes divided
over how to address this alarming situation, with conflicting opinions on the necessity
and appropriateness of Laura obtaining a firearm. The presenting concern revolves
around the family's struggle to navigate the aftermath of the school incident, with a
particular focus on ensuring Laura's safety and the differing perspectives on the use of
firearms for personal protection. The emotional impact of this crisis challenges the
family's cohesion as they grapple with the complexities of addressing fear, violence, and
the need for security in their lives.
3. Homeostasis: Identify ways in which the family strives to maintain balance. Who adjusts,
and who does not? What feedback loops are observed?
In the face of the disturbing incident at school, the Winslow family endeavors to restore
a sense of balance or homeostasis within their dynamic. Steve Urkel, a close friend, takes
on the role of an adjuster, attempting to influence Laura's decision-making and dissuade
her from purchasing a gun. His intervention reflects an effort to restore a sense of safety
and normalcy within the family. On the other hand, Laura, initially determined to take
matters into her own hands by considering the purchase of a firearm, represents resistance
to this adjustment. The family's feedback loops are characterized by a dynamic interplay
of opinions, emotions, and attempts to find a collective solution. There is a visible tension
between individual autonomy, as demonstrated by Laura's desire for self-protection, and
the collective concern for the family's well-being. The feedback loops involve
communication patterns that fluctuate between open discussions and moments of tension,
highlighting the ongoing process of the family trying to find equilibrium in the aftermath
of a traumatic event. Steve Urkel's role as an adjuster contributes to the family's resilience
by introducing alternative perspectives and potential solutions, ultimately seeking a
balanced and secure environment for all members.
4. Boundaries: What external family boundaries are observed? What internal family
boundaries and subsystems are observed? Using a spectrum of disengagement to
enmeshment, where on the continuum does this family lie? Explain.

Externally, the Winslow family's boundaries are significantly influenced by the external
threat posed by the female gang at school. This threat serves as a defining factor shaping
the family's interactions and decisions, emphasizing the impact external forces can have
on internal dynamics. Internally, the family grapples with boundaries related to individual
autonomy and collective well-being. The tension arises from Laura's desire for self-
protection, reflecting a need to establish personal boundaries, and the family's concern for
her safety, highlighting a desire for more enmeshed boundaries as they collectively
navigate the aftermath of the traumatic incident.
On the spectrum of disengagement to enmeshment, the Winslow family appears to lean
more towards enmeshment, particularly in response to the crisis at hand. Enmeshment is
evident in the collective concern for Laura's safety, where individual boundaries are
 blurred in favor of a shared emotional experience. The family's unity in addressing the
potential threat of violence and the disagreement over purchasing a gun highlights a
degree of enmeshment as they navigate the aftermath of the traumatic incident. However,
this enmeshment is not without its challenges, as individual perspectives, particularly
Laura's desire for autonomy, create tension within the family. The external threat pushes
the family toward a more interconnected and collective response, but the internal struggle
with differing opinions suggests a need for negotiation and reevaluation of boundaries to
achieve a healthier balance between autonomy and cohesion.

5. Decision Making, Hierarchy, Power: How is leadership structured in this family? Who
makes the decisions in the family? How do decisions get made? Who has the power? Is it
informal or formal power?
In the Winslow family, leadership is structured with Harriette Baines Winslow and Carl
Winslow as parental figures, suggesting a traditional family hierarchy. Decision-making
appears to be a collective process, but the film emphasizes the significance of Laura's
perspective in situations involving her safety. The power dynamics within the family are
more informal than formal, with power distributed based on roles and individual
perspectives. While Harriette and Carl hold formal authority as parents, the differing
opinions on whether Laura should purchase a gun create a power struggle, highlighting
the nuanced and informal negotiation of power within the family.

6. Family Roles: Identify each family member and the role they hold. (Use any other sort of
role identification you choose)
Laura Winslow: The central character and protagonist, Laura initially takes on the role of
a victim and decision-maker regarding her safety. Her character evolves as she grapples
with the aftermath of the traumatic incident at school.

Harriette Baines Winslow: As the mother, Harriette assumes the role of a caregiver and
protector. Her concerns for Laura's safety and well-being reflect the maternal instinct and the
desire to maintain family cohesion.

Carl Winslow: As the father, Carl embodies the protective and authoritative figure. His role
involves providing guidance and ensuring the family's safety, although his approach may differ
from Harriette's in the film.

Steve Urkel: The quirky friend, Steve Urkel, takes on the role of an influencer and adjuster
within the family. His attempts to dissuade Laura from buying a gun demonstrate his role as a
concerned and well-intentioned friend.

Bobby: The character selling guns introduces an external and potentially harmful influence.
Bobby's role is that of an influencer who contributes to the family's internal conflict regarding
the purchase of a firearm.

Josie: Though not a Winslow family member, Josie plays a crucial role as a victim of violence,
highlighting the broader impact of the traumatic incident on individuals beyond the immediate
family.
 7. Communication: Assess the congruency of the communication, both verbal and non-
verbal. Are there inconsistencies in what is communicated and what is enacted? Barriers?
The communication in the Winslow family exhibits both verbal and non-verbal elements.
Initially, there is a lack of congruency as Laura remains silent about the traumatic incident at
school, creating an inconsistency between her thoughts and expressed feelings. The family's
concern for her safety is palpable through non-verbal cues like expressions of worry and gestures
of comfort, but there is a barrier as Laura hesitates to share her experience.

As the family discusses the idea of Laura buying a gun, verbal communication becomes more
explicit, with differing opinions creating a barrier. The incongruence lies in the emotional
undertones—while they all want Laura to be safe, there's a clash in strategies for achieving that
safety. Steve Urkel's attempts to dissuade Laura from purchasing a gun introduce another layer
of incongruence, as his verbal communication clashes with the family's initial reluctance to
openly address the issue.
8. Family life cycle: What stage is the family currently in? What developmental task(s) are
they currently facing?
The Winslow family appears to be in the stage of launching young adults in the family life cycle.
Laura, as a high school student, is on the cusp of adulthood, and the family is navigating the
challenges associated with her increasing autonomy and decision-making. The developmental
task they are currently facing involves preparing Laura for independence while maintaining a
sense of family support and cohesion. The traumatic incident at school amplifies the
complexities of this developmental task, as the family must now grapple with issues of safety,
individual agency, and the evolving dynamics as Laura prepares to launch into the next phase of
her life.
9. Family rules: Discuss implicit and explicit rules. Are they flexible or rigid? What is the
consequence for breaking rules in this family?
The Winslow family has implicit rules centered around open communication and trust, especially
when it comes to concerns about each other's well-being. Explicit rules emerge in response to the
traumatic incident, focusing on safety and decision-making. These rules initially appear
somewhat rigid, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. However, as the family navigates
the crisis, there's a sense of flexibility in how they adapt to the challenges. Breaking implicit
rules may lead to heightened concern and emotional distress, while breaking explicit rules could
jeopardize safety and family cohesion. The consequences highlight the delicate balance between
maintaining trust and adjusting to the evolving circumstances.

10. Social environment: How is the family connection to their community, and to what level?
How does the family interact with the external world?
The Winslow family is connected to their community, mainly through the school incident
involving Laura. The film doesn't explicitly detail the depth of their community ties, but the
event at school has implications for the family's interaction with the external world. The family's
primary external interaction revolves around the threat of violence at school, reflecting broader
societal challenges. The connection to the community is shaped by safety concerns, portraying a
family that is both influenced by and influencing the external world as they grapple with the
aftermath of the traumatic incident.
 11. Assessing family adaptive capacity: Identify current stressors, strengths and sources of
resilience for this family. What tools/resources do they have to manage their stressors?
The Winslow family is currently dealing with the stressor of a traumatic school incident,
particularly affecting Laura's safety. Their strengths lie in their close-knit relationships and
shared concern for one another. The family's resilience is sourced from their emotional support
for each other, and their tools for managing stressors include open communication and the ability
to adapt to challenging situations. While facing adversity, the Winslow family draws on their
connections and communication skills as resources to navigate and manage the stressors brought
about by the traumatic event.
12. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: If you were working with this family, what others
professionals/individuals would you want to consult with, and why? What information
would you be attempting to gather?
In collaborating with the Winslow family, seeking input from various professionals would be
essential. A school counselor could provide insights into the specific details of the traumatic
incident at school and offer guidance on addressing the aftermath within the educational context.
Consulting with a mental health professional would be crucial to understand and address the
emotional impact on each family member, especially Laura, who may be grappling with trauma.
Additionally, involving law enforcement professionals could provide a broader perspective on
the safety concerns and potential legal implications surrounding the incident.

The information gathered would include details about the incident, the emotional well-being of
each family member, and any existing safety measures in place. Understanding the school's
response and potential interventions would be valuable. Insights into the family's coping
mechanisms, individual stressors, and existing support networks would also aid in developing a
comprehensive plan to address the aftermath of the traumatic event. The interdisciplinary
collaboration would aim to provide a holistic approach to support the Winslow family's well-
being and navigate the complexities arising from the incident.
13. Engagement: What skills would be needed to effectively engage this family specifically
as it relates to diversity and areas of intersectionality?
Effectively engaging the Winslow family would require skills in cultural competence and
empathy. Recognizing and respecting the diversity within the family, such as cultural
background, would be crucial. Understanding the individual perspectives of each family member
and acknowledging areas of intersectionality, like age and gender, is essential. Communication
skills that foster openness and trust would help navigate the sensitive nature of the traumatic
incident and differing opinions within the family. The ability to adapt to the unique
characteristics of each family member and being mindful of potential cultural nuances would
enhance the engagement process. Overall, a culturally sensitive and empathetic approach would
be vital in building a connection and facilitating effective communication with the Winslow
family.
 14. Diversity: How did you use this family's unique characteristics to provide context for the
above assessment?
In assessing the Winslow family dynamics, I considered their unique characteristics to provide a
nuanced context for understanding their responses to the traumatic incident. Laura's position as a
high school student navigating adolescence added complexity to the family life cycle stage.
Recognizing the parental roles of Harriette and Carl, I understood the importance of their
protective instincts and the potential clash of perspectives in decision-making. Steve Urkel's role
as a quirky friend introduced a layer of individuality, influencing the family dynamic with his
unconventional approach. Additionally, acknowledging the external influence of Bobby and the
victimhood of Josie highlighted the broader impact of the incident beyond the immediate family.
The diverse characteristics, such as age, gender, and individual personalities, informed the
assessment, providing valuable context to understand the family's unique strengths, stressors, and
adaptive capacity in the face of the traumatic event.
15. Intervention: Using one of the strategies listed, choose one and explain how this
intervention would apply to the family (ex: problem solving approach, skills training,
contingency contracting, modifying misconceptions, modifying communication
patterns, etc)

Considering the family's need for effective communication and resolution of differing opinions, an
intervention using the problem-solving approach would be beneficial. This strategy involves
collaboratively identifying and addressing the issues at hand. In the Winslow family's case, the
conflicting views on Laura buying a gun and the aftermath of the traumatic incident create a need for a
structured problem-solving process.

The intervention would begin by facilitating an open family discussion, allowing each member to express
their concerns, fears, and perspectives regarding the incident. Encouraging active listening and empathy
would be crucial in fostering understanding among family members. The problem-solving approach
would then involve collectively identifying potential solutions to enhance Laura's safety and address the
family's emotional needs. This might include exploring alternative safety measures, seeking professional
support, or implementing strategies to rebuild a sense of security within the family.

The intervention would aim to modify communication patterns by promoting a more solution-focused
and collaborative approach. It acknowledges the diversity within the family, respecting individual
perspectives while working towards a shared goal of ensuring safety and well-being. Through this
problem-solving approach, the Winslow family can navigate the aftermath of the traumatic incident,
fostering unity and resilience in the face of adversity.