Well I agree with you. It's just an inevitability that things in groups of people that you don't know are going to be superficial... yeah
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However I'll add that most families have a few specific activities or topics of discussion that really brings them together, because everyone enjoys doing it (usually for the sake of togetherness - but that feels good). If these people really matter to you, then you should speak up about what you really care about, and you can judge their following reactions... either that or find a close group of other people in which to talk about what really matters to you... I'm learning (at least this applies to my family) that even families don't have to know every fiber of your existence --- sometimes I wish they did, so they could be an immortal pillar of support throughout my life, but that's not the case with me anymore.