Introduction

In an episode of the sitcom Friends, Ross is a divorcee who wants to celebrate the Jewish festival of Hanukkah with his son. Ross does not see his child on an everyday basis and would like to share the values that are dear to his heart with him. He does not want to give a rational explanation of the event because he realises that this Jewish holy day competes with Christmas and is far from being as media friendly as the Christian one. He hopes to narrate the story and meaning of Hanukkah by organising something fun and entertaining. Knowing the appeal of popular culture on his generation (X) and his son's (Y), and with the help of his friends, Ross tries to find a disguise similar to Santa Claus to capture his son's attention. Unfortunately, the only costume he manages to find at the last minute is an armadillo; and when his son sees him, he merely wonders about his sanity. However, what makes this episode strong in terms of values is that even his friends who are not Jewish help Ross to celebrate Hanukkah in this way.

This sitcom, has, according to Huntley (2006: 26–27), tapped into the reality of both generations X and Y. Friends, this show tells us, are the family people get to choose; and in a world in which marriages, relationships and jobs can be easily destroyed, friends are the strongest constant in a person's life. In each episode, one has the impression that the six main characters spend more time with each other than with their families and partners. And with generations X and Y in general, religion is not what dominates their lives, but it is occasionally present in one way or another. Ross is never seen practising his faith, but as is common in today’s society, he appears to believe without belonging to it.