Tuesday, September 20, 2011

At School's All Over New York- It's Raining Men!

This rainy morning in NYC is Dads Take Your Children to School Day. Over 120 schools all over New York from Brooklyn to Buffalo participated and the men were out in big numbers. At 7:30 AM  I watched as Dad after Granddad after uncle after Dad walked their children into school buildings this morning. The men did not just drop the kids off, they mingled for a while to hear keynote speakers, have breakfast and at PS 136 they even played a little basketball.  Men were all over the schools, whether they were on their way to work, out of work, going in late or coming from work- men filled the hallways and the auditoriums to participate in this eventful and important day. The smiles on the children faces indicated they were happy about Dad being around. One child was overheard telling his friends that his Daddy was next door in the auditorium. The schools treated the Dads well and welcomed them with open arms, telling them to come back as often as they could. The father's networked with teachers, administrators and each other. And some of them talked to me. It was a beautiful sight to see. Look out for my blog and film footage later this week, You can see for yourself, NYC Dads Care!

Blessings,
Cathleen

1 comment:

  1. I'm surprised but, encouraging, that I should be the first to weigh in on the "Fathers Take Your Children to School Day" blog. Hopefully, others will be encouraged to reply.

    As a father, I've been involved in my children's life with each phase of change. There have been obstacles that have kept me, and I know other men, for being more involved and what those obstacles are will be addressed in a documentary of fatherhood that I'm working on called, "MEN ARE PARENTS, TOO!". So much for self-promotion.

    There have always been more men as involved in their children's lives than what have been given credit. They have been invisible to most. The public sees parents differently when the chance encounter shows itself. One sees a woman in the park with children and a parent is perceived, it's not the same P.O.V. when a man is involved. Tell us why??

    Historic records point to many instances where a bias is practiced and certain groups, not just regarding parenthood, aren't given the deserving credit, or consideration for being capable, willing, or having the same innate drive to do. Or they are simple ostracized and cruelly treated. Christians during the classic Roman period, women as able of contributing the the cultural & economic life of society, Black people as being equal to whites (native people having the same problem)...and now it's men as parents, care givers, and nurturers. Tell us why? How is it that after being on the negative side of things ourselves we continue to fail at seeing the bias and fall into the trap of practicing it ourselves?

    I've heard women, feminists, argue that theirs is a movement for gender equality and justice but, where, what is the equality & justice? Using one name that is both male & female, sistas, and this is said with love, if "Rosie can rivet",...Rosie can raise children.

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