In the time of the Middle Ages, Joseph was the object of much mockery. Medieval theatre and art often depicted him as a buffoon, very much on the margins of the gospel story. This was of course partly because Mary was so highly venerated and indeed idolized that no man could possibly compete with the status given her by the medievals. But in modern times, especially among Protestants, it is not much better. The attitude toward Joseph has shifted from mockery to outright indifference. He is just not all that relevant, it seems.1
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.