Originally Posted by GetAClue

No, but they can serve as a warning to those willing to look realistically at what is being shown.

For example, a couple of years ago a somewhat distant relative of my wife, was having a surprise party for their 80 year old mother. As by wife was still in contact with this person and a couple of siblings, we along with my three children were invited to attend.

When we got there, we were surrounded by a group of people that included alcoholics, drug addicts (meth, heroin, god knows what) and maybe a full set of teeth between the group. Needless to say, my family stood out amongst the group.

After we left, all three of my children thanked by wife and I for being stern and involved with most aspects of their life while they were growing up and not allowing them to run down the same path as some (most) of the people at the party had traveled.

This reminds me of a saying "It could be that the purpose of your life is only to server as a warning to others." That could apply in this case.