Don't Worry, Son. One Day 'Daddy' Will be in the Header, Too.

A number of years ago, our local paper included a 'Women' section.
I was young enough the concept of male sexism needed to be explained to me. I learned that, without this section, many issues facing women would be excluded, or buried deep within the paper, due to a male-centric sense of what was important.

Years later, the section disappeared. By then I had gained enough wisdom to understand why: the solution to a lack of female-centric content was not to devote a section to the issue, but rather to hire many intelligent, well-read women into the roles of editors and writers, and include their opinions as part of the paper's overall content. It was not a question of wanting special treatment, but of equality.

January 25th, 2012:

Scanning the home pages of the Top 10 Parenting Magazines, according to AllYouCanRead.com, the following headers can be found (among others not pertaining to humans):

Babies, Toddlers & Pre-Schoolers, Big Kids, Parenting, Pregnancy, Motherhood, Baby, Toddler, Child, Mom, and  - from one not included in the Top 10 List, but popular nonetheless: Being a Mom.
I found no: Dad, Father, Fatherhood....anyway, you understand my point.

I will not for a moment suggest men have achieved equal footing as it pertains to parenting; I know too many men to argue that point. But, for those (of us) who look for answers and community support from our peers as it relates to the  stress, emotion, expectations, and  multi-tasking which are synonymous with a hands-on, stay-at-home, or working father; it might be time for our own section.

 

Comments

[Carla Karam]

Kenny... great points! great post!! I completely understand what you are talking about. Personally having witnessed the roles of women change (in more parts of the world than in others,) it is refreshing to see the role of a man change as well. Blessings.

[Leigh]

HI Kenny - very interesting to get the male perspective. I think it's a catch 22 situation - the men were in the workforce and not at home or expected to be too involved with the kids (that was women's work). Luckily things are changing ALOT and we have wonderfully involved fathers. Hopefully you fathers get the support you need :)
Leigh @oneandoneequalstwinfun

[Amber]

I have issues with this too. My husband says that men just don't want to talk about their problems. That is why the DadNetwork did not work out.

[Molly Thiersch]

I think it's great that dads are pointing out this discrepancy. That's how change will come about!

[Anne @ GreenEggs&Moms]

Completely agree with your last statement. I enjoy reading a few dad blogs I've come across and find their perspective refreshing. More DAD power! Woohoo!!