Human beings are born with a clean slate. This is a theory that explains that people are born without prior knowledge of their identity. It further describes that human knowledge and the development of one's nature comes from experiences and interactions with other human beings. These types of interactions can develop into relationships, which can contribute to personal growth and also provide a strong support system in times of crisis. One of the first places a person can find this type of support and connection is in a stable family. The meaning of the word family can vary depending on the person and other environmental factors like culture, religion, etc. The Oxford English Dictionary defines family as “a group consisting of two parents and their children living together as a unit.” (AskOxford.com, 2008). This is the most general definition of a family in America. However, interviewing individuals in American society about their own experiences with family could reveal a new definition. This is primarily because in recent decades, Americans have seen the rise of single parenthood and the common phenomenon of blended families due to the nature of divorce. However, the emphasis here is not only on the word family, but on the idea of ​​“stable family”. The meaning of this takes us back to the Oxford definition, which characterizes the structure of a stable family as a household consisting of a mother and father who have been married for a long time. This is the type of family where people find comfort and security when everything else seems dire. When problems begin to arise, individuals tend to find support and comfort in their mother's love, in their father's wisdom, and in the understanding of their siblings.... middle of paper ... ...w.blackpast.org/?q =primary/moynihan-rapport-1965>.Novkov, Julie. “Racial constructions: the legal regulation of miscegenation in Alabama, 1890-1934.” Review of Law and History 20.2 (2002). Cooperative History Database. University of Illinois. Internet. May 1, 2010. “Interview with Scott Bond.” Interview. New Deal Network. The American Slave: A Composite Autobiography. Internet. May 1, 2010. “The Enslaved Family: Selection from WPA Interviews with Formerly Enslaved African Americans, 1936-1938.” National Center for the Humanities. Library of Congress, 2007. Web. April 23, 2010. http://nationalhumanitiescenter.org/pds/maai/community/text1/enslavedfamilywpa.pdf “Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings: A Brief Account.” Monticello by Thomas Jefferson. Internet. May 1 2010. .