Fiona Drug Use

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Surname 1 Student Name Professor Name Course Date Fiona's Struggles in Shameless Season 4 Episode 5 Substance abuse in society is often associated with dysfunctional families as evident in the TV series Shameless . Stressors within families in Shameless affect the structure as well as behavior of individuals of the Gallagher family. These stressors are present in the series compelling some members to emerge as substance abusers. These stresses sometimes result from children taking over the roles of adults. Fiona Gallagher's struggles with drug use in Shameless Season 4 Episode 5 lead her to make harmful choices with worse outcomes. As the eldest daughter in a dysfunctional household, she is responsible for her siblings because her parent is negligent. The negative effects of Fiona taking care of family outweigh benefits because she gets in troubles with drug use and addiction, making her neglect her duties to Liam, and engage in reckless behavior. Fiona’s role of a care taker leaves her emotionally vulnerable and prone to harmful decisions. For example, her involvement with Robbie exposes the helplessness and longing for freedom beneath her tough exterior. Robbie is the sex and substance addict brother of her boyfriend Mike. Fiona’s bad decisions are evident when she celebrates her birthday with the cocaine Robbie had left behind. She confesses that she was “used to a steady check, groceries without coupons and wine in a bottle instead of the box” but now she stands to lose everything (Abbott 24:58). Faced with a morally ambiguous situation, Fiona struggles to maintain her

Surname 2 composure amidst the chaos. As she grapples with her desires and responsibilities, Fiona's character becomes more complex and multidimensional. Her series of decisions involving Robbie presents an opportunity to examine her motivations and emotions, often overshadowed by her role as a caretaker. For example, during a family dinner at Mike’s house, Robbie tells Mike about their affair and the two get into a fight (15:47). This affair with her boyfriend’s brother illustrates her recklessness and need for escape. Fiona’s recklessness is caused by her emotional vulnerability, for after the affair she tells Mike “I was trying to prove something, that I didn’t deserve you…all these normal functional people” (min 31:06). This shows that her responsibilities to her family leads her to have a low self-esteem. Additionally, because of the burden of caring for their family, many siblings are likely to seek relief from harmful practices. For instance, Fiona seeks temporary relief from drugs due to the pressures of caring for her family. Ian on the other hand, steals army propeorty (4:11). According to Jouhki, Hannu, and Atte Oksanen, individuals often turn to drugs to escape reality (Jouhki and Oksanen 202). Her decision to consume cocaine with Kev and Veronica during her birthday celebration reflects her attempt to escape her daily struggles momentarily. Rather than condemning Fiona for her drug use, we should empathize with the emotional toll she endures while taking care of her family. Her choices shed light on the human need for connection and intimacy, even amid a chaotic life. By exploring Fiona's coping mechanisms, the episode adds depth to her character and encourages viewers to look beyond the surface. She confesses to Mike, "I wanted to prove to myself that I didn’t deserve you, and in the end, I was right" (Abbott 32:00). The celebration of Fiona's birthday provides a poignant moment for viewers to witness her desire for escapism. Her decision to use drugs with her friends highlights her vulnerability and need for respite from her demanding responsibilities. By portraying Fiona's struggles with

Surname 3 such raw authenticity, the show allows audiences to connect with her deeper, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of her character. . When Liam accidentally ingests cocaine left on the table, Fiona faces the terrifying prospect of losing custody of her siblings. This pivotal moment highlights the fragility of Fiona's situation and the precarious balance she attempts to maintain between adulthood and parenthood. Her mistakes do not define her capability to care for her siblings but rather underscore the overwhelming challenges she faces and the lack of support from her parents. Through this incident, the episode critiques the social systems that have failed Fiona's family and invite reflection on broader societal issues. She states that she thought she could handle, “I was watching him; I thought he was in the living room” (50:05). Fiona's confession after Liam's accident emphasizes the immense pressure she carries as the guardian of her siblings. Fiona’s case illustrates ways children are likely to replicate parent’s harmful behavior. Frank is an irresponsible alcoholic and drug user who neglects his family. This behavior is seen when Robbie shows up with coke and Fiona exclaims, “Just like Frank” (40:30). This comment illustrates that Robbie is a junky just like Frank, and that Fiona might also be taking after her father repeating similar behavior. Despite her intentions to manage everything independently, Fiona's vulnerability is exposed, reminding viewers of the complexities of her character and the overwhelming responsibilities she shoulders (Jordan 255). This moment prompts a deeper consideration of the societal factors contributing to Fiona's predicament, encouraging audiences to question the support systems available to those in similar situations. Shameless Season 4 Episode 5 presents Fiona Gallagher as a multifaceted character navigating different stressers and their far-reaching consequences. Her involvement with Robbie and subsequent drug use provide a window into her struggles as the primary caretaker for her

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Surname 4 siblings, humanizing her and challenging preconceived judgments. By delving into Fiona's story, the episode prompts viewers to consider the broader implications of societal neglect and the resilience of those burdened with unexpected responsibilities. Through its thought-provoking portrayal of Fiona's character, Shameless Season 4 Episode 5 serves as a poignant reminder of the intricacies of human existence and the myriad ways individuals navigate their paths in the face of adversity.

Surname 5 Works Cited Jordan, Eric A. "“Gentrify This!”: A Critical Analysis of Gentrification." Shameless Sociology: Critical Perspectives on a Popular Television Series (2020): 254. Jouhki, Hannu, and Atte Oksanen. "To get high or to get out? Examining the link between addictive behaviors and escapism." Substance Use & Misuse 57.2 (2022): 202-211. “Shameless Season 4, Episode 5. “ Created by Paul Abbott, performances by William H. Macy, Emmy Rossum, Jeremy Allen White, etc., Bonanza Productions, John Wells Productions, Warner Bros. Television, 2011-2021.

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