As anybody knows who has been out of the house in the past week, today is Father’s Day. Or is it Fathers’ Day? As a middle school teacher in the public school system I see firsthand the crumbling of our culture that is happening because this day is becoming an empty ritual. It is kind of like Christians going out to eat on Sunday or union members going shopping on Labor Day. Fathers are being removed from the lives of our young people and we are just beginning to collect the dividends.
We just went through the meaningless ritual of promotion from middle school to high school. It was meaningless because we received direct orders from our district that made it possible for students to participate with two failures. That changed our promoting class from 67 out of 218 to 185. It gave me a chance to interact with some parents and I noticed something that came as no surprise. Most of my top students seem to have fathers who are involved in their lives. It really makes a difference.
Being a father is becoming a lost art. I wish I could get across how important fathers are. Because of welfare, no fault divorce and the “why buy the cow when the milk is free” syndrom the young men who might have stepped into the role are remaining little boys who are too busy playing with their toys to grow up. They impregnate women and brag about it. The word “pimp” has become a compliment. And the women seem to be going along with it.
I am grateful that I had a father who accepted responsibility, set an example and loved his wife and children. I am grateful that I have two children who are in agreement with my values and don’t seem to be ashamed to spend time with me.
At least in my world it is a Happy Father’s Day.
I hope you can say the same.
homo unius libri
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