There’s Family and Then There is Family

Although sounding the same and being spelled the same way, there are two different types in Paula Vogel’s play “How I Learned to Drive.” The phrase “family is family” gets tossed around a lot by Uncle Peck, who is only related to Li’l Bit through marriage to her Aunt Mary. Family only by association, Uncle Peck continues to have an odd sexual relationship with his niece and represents the people who call themselves family. He is one of those people who take advantage of others around him (not always in a positive way). While Li’l Bit’s blood relatives continue to harass and embarrass her, they have her best interest at heart and treat her properly. “Family is family,” means that they will always be there for you whenever you need them, and they will not mistreat you (embarrassing you is their job, and what they do best).