Father and Feminism
On this Father’s Day, I find myself reflecting on a defining moment from my childhood that, ironically, shaped my understanding of feminism. It’s a story about my father and how his actions challenged societal norms, leaving a lasting impression on me.
When I was just 5 years old, my father's job required him to be away from home. During these periods, he took on roles typically assigned to mothers in 2003—cooking meals for me and ensuring I was ready for school each day.
One day, during an English class, the teacher posed a simple question: "Who makes the food for you?" Without hesitation, I proudly stood up and declared, "My father makes food for me." To my surprise, laughter filled the room. Confused and embarrassed, I couldn't understand why they found my answer so amusing. The teacher intervened, insisting that the correct answer was, "My mother makes food for me." Defiantly, I reiterated, "No, my father makes food for me." This defiance only added to the amusement of my classmates and teacher.
Later, the teacher called for a parent-teacher meeting with my father. I relayed the incident to him, and he agreed to meet with her. Following the meeting, he sat me down and explained that while it was true he did most of the cooking, societal norms dictated that I should have answered differently to conform and earn marks. Despite his advice to write what was expected in future exams, he respected my honesty and courage.
When the exam question reappeared, I faced a dilemma. Should I write "My mother makes food for me" to conform or stick to the truth—"My father makes food for me"? Despite knowing the consequences of my decision on my marks, I chose honesty. I couldn't betray my father's efforts just to earn points.
This incident marked the beginning of my journey into feminism, though I didn't recognize it as such at the time. It was a realization that norms and expectations unfairly dictated what constituted "correct" answers, even when both answers could be true. Why couldn't both parents share household responsibilities equally? This experience taught me the importance of challenging stereotypes and advocating for equality.
The consequences were clear when my scorecard arrived—my answer was marked wrong. The teacher reminded me of our previous conversation, but I stood silently, unable to articulate my reasoning.
My father, upon seeing my lower rank due to that question, expressed disappointment about the lost marks but silently conveyed his pride in my integrity. That moment crystallized my understanding: academic marks were inconsequential compared to standing up for what I believed was right.
Looking back, I didn't realize then that this was feminism in action. Now I understand that my journey, like many others, began with a small act of defiance against unjust norms. As feminism gains momentum, more individuals are realizing they are not alone in feeling betrayed by societal expectations. Each story contributes to the broader movement toward equality and fairness.
This journey has shaped my beliefs and convictions. On this Father's Day, I honor my father not just for his nurturing care, but for teaching me the value of standing up for what is right. I fight not just for myself but for everyone who has been made to feel they must conform to outdated norms. Let's continue to challenge norms and celebrate the diverse roles that both fathers and mothers play in our lives.
Love and light..🍀💜
#FathersDay #Feminism #GenderEquality #ChallengingNorms #LifeLessons