Essay 693

The Chicago Sun-Times published responses to the column posted in Essay 675…

--------------------------------------------------

A column by Mary Mitchell last Sunday sparked passionate e-mails about black fatherhood:

***

In the first place, there are too many children growing up in society in ALL races without fathers. However, the problem is an epidemic in the black community. Stepping up to the plate now, after the horse is out of the barn, won’t work. Black men and women need to learn how not to be in this situation in the first place.

Alan

***

[N]ot all absentee fathers are neglecting their children because of their lack of love or responsibility. It is so much more than that. I am engaged to a wonderful black man who has tried since his separation and divorce from his ex-wife to see his children. This ordeal has been going on for approximately six years now. Regardless of why their relationship failed, this woman (mother) has continuously made it very difficult for him to see his two wonderful kids.

Charlene

***

While I applaud the thousands of single black mothers who are raising children alone, they should not ever be confused with taking the place of a father. The last time I checked, a father is a man, just as a mother is a woman. I recognize the rising divorce rate within the African-American community, but that’s no reason to denigrate fathers, many of whom are also raising their children alone. It’s likely you’d never hear something as degrading as this within any other ethnic group. Yet, the Number One radio station in the third largest city in America, whose audience is predominately black, holds this event as a badge of honor.

Joe

***

Although there is no denying that there are African-American mothers who have to take on the role as both mother and father, I feel that acknowledging this fact on Father’s Day is a proverbial slap in the face! Yes, the issue needs to be addressed, but not on a day that is supposed to honor those fathers who are more than, in the words of Les Brown, “Sperm Donors.” Yes, there needs to be dialogue and change but not on the day set aside for responsible fathers.

Edwin

***

Why in the HELL are black men always criticized and critiqued on Father’s Day? NO OTHER RACE OF MEN IN THIS COUNTRY ARE SO SCRUTINIZED THE WAY WE ARE. I did not grow up with a father, but that doesn’t MEAN I go broadcasting that to America. I just did what I have to do and learned lessons from responsible people.

Mark

***

I have spent a large part of my 66 years on this Earth vvvvvvvvvvery close to black families. The problems are so enormous until many of our black men are just plain overwhelmed. First of all they do not have the opportunity to be trained to compete in this modern day society. The jobs that afford one to raise a family, buy a house and purchase an automobile and then take proper care of their family is virtually an American dream.

Redell