Father's Day

For the past 20 years it seems that fathers have been getting a bad rep in the media. A man who stays to raise his children looks to be an oddity in this day and age according to the media. If you listen and look closely, you may actually see that the media seems to glorify the deadbeat dad. I know these males do exist, but as I enjoyed a nice father's day lunch with my husband, father, and brother, I felt sad for what the media is doing to men. If a stereotype keeps getting exposure, people will start to believe the hype. As a woman of color, I sometimes feel self-conscious of the fact that I have children and yes,...I am married to their father. I feel self-conscious because the media has painted a stereotypical picture that sticks so well in the short term media of American society. So I feel compelled to display a snapshot that isn't "what you may be thinking".

So I want to wish all the fathers a belated happy father's day. I know many of you are working hard, trying to keep your families together, and doing the right thing. I know that some of you fathers want to be better fathers if only the babies' momma would open the door for you to connect with your children. Some women treat you like a sperm donor and don't realize the harm they are inflicting on their children. I feel your pain and I want to say your intentions are good.

As for the deadbeat dads who are content with knowing they have fatherless children roaming the earth, I want to say I hope you wake up and stop being selfish.