Red Forman — A Model American Father

Since Father’s Day is just around the corner, I would like to focus on a model American father — the fictional character Red Forman from That ‘70s Show (as well as That ‘90s Show).

Red is the main antagonist (but not a villain) in That ‘70s Show. He is husband to Kitty Forman (whom he loves with a passion). He is the father of Laurie Forman (whom he favors until he learns of her promiscuity — it should be noted that she is also devious and manipulative) and Eric Forman (whom he belittles in an attempt to toughen him up). He is a gruff, grumpy, no-nonsense individual with a dry sense of humor.

Red served in the Navy, seeing action during World War II and the Korean War. He eventually rose to the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He is a conservative Republican, as well as being a patriot (even if he believed that America was “going down the crapper”).

Red also directed his antagonism towards Eric’s girlfriend Donna and his friends Jackie, Kelso, Hyde, and Fez. They would constantly hang out in the basement, prompting Red to say on one occasion that “there’s a hundred morons in my basement”. He is somewhat xenophobic, constantly referring to Fez as “the foreigner” (note: there was a fan site devoted to Red, and in reference to Fez, Red asks, “where the hell is he from anyway?” and, “if I didn’t know any better, I would say that he was born in my basement”). Red was also antagonistic towards Donna’s father Bob, who practically became Red’s bitch. Once when Donna was being disrespectful towards her father, Red intervened by telling her that she needed to be more respectful to her father. When Bob said, “that’s right”, Red replied, “shut up, Bob”.

Due to his grumpiness, Red would frequently use profanity. He referred to various individuals as “dumbass”, and threatened to drive his foot up the ass of anyone who provoked him.

But for all his grumpiness and antagonism, Red was a devoted husband and loving father on That ‘70s Show. He is also a loving grandfather in That ‘90s Show towards his granddaughter Leia, but laying down some ground rules with her friends in order to ensure they don’t engage in shenanigans like Eric, Donna, and their friends did.

Thus, Red Forman is a model American father.

Other fathers should try to be like him.