Politics and Culture

Me, returning from a hard day's work.

I talk to many women and men throughout the course of the day and have come to the conclusion that many fathers today don't have the proper attitude towards fathering (I've had my sucky moments so I know what I'm talking about).

Fathers,

Children and wives need to admire you, yet many of you don't do admirable things and do much that is contemptible. Is it any wonder that our esteem has decreased so much over the years?

Being a father is not about you. One doesn't become a father to inject fun into one's life (although you will eventually find it fulfilling, and even "fun"). Fatherhood is a duty to one's patrimony, country, community, world, and God.** Being a good father is a better public service than recycling or even voting. Once you commit to this principle, you won't consider less responsible alternatives.

Fatherhood isn't about helping your wife do her chores, either; it's a unique and near-vital skill set.

Essence of fatherhood:

Be a leader in your house, the rock that your family clings to during tough times. King of the castle. A protector and provider. The liaison between your family and the outside world.*** Know how to do practical stuff. Push your kids to take reasonable risks as your wife worries about the same things (her job).**** Stop watching that junk on the internet.***** Take pride in your family. Be the man that has the respect of his wife and children, not of the pathetic "bros" at the club. Be the Knight that every good man wants to be. Let the Hugh Heffners wallow their perpetual adolescence while you pity and disrespect them.

Follow up:

**Fathers have a profound, not-easily-quantifiable effect on both boys and girls. Here's one you may not have heard of: Whether a father, as opposed to a mother, is religious has the greatest impact on whether the kids will follow the faith (or philosophy). Probably because we're seen as less emotional, men confer legitimacy to ideas. In Spain, girls with religious fathers have more kids (kid positive). Also, a father looks to God for guidance as a wife looks to you: It's in the bible.

***One of the most pathetic public displays I've witnessed is a couple negotiating a car price at a dealership- only the woman spoke.

****During a little league game, a conversation, a variation of which has probably occurred a billion times in history:

Wife: The coach is mean. He told the kids that they didn't try and played poorly. He shouldn't have hurt their feelings.

Husband: Well, you have to motivate them. Tell them the truth.

*****No, not Asymmetric