Saturday, January 22, 2011

A Question of Race

Do I want to bring RACE into the MvD equation? I don't know. I am not afraid to discuss race with ANYONE. I do not believe racism does not exist. But there are other blogs that address the topic of being a Black father on a regular basis. Is that something I want to take on? Is being a Black father something that needs extra support, or something that has wrongly been given a bad reputation? Am I an exception to the norm, or am I part of a growing minority of Black fathers with their heads on straight? I don't know... Thoughts?



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2 comments:

  1. Hi Joe!
    I don't know if others are seeing it...
    "a growing minority of Black fathers with their heads on straight"
    but I sure am, and I'm paying attention!

    I read your profile on Dads of Divas and I have to say that although you grew up fatherless, it is so very important to remember that it is this adversity has built your character.

    This hit home with me because recently I met another black father who expressed to me that he, too, grew up without a father. Here is a man that makes barely more than minumum wage, yet works hard, respects others, and is a loving husband and father. He told me that his family and his role as a father is the most important thing in his life! Wow!

    I am a mother (white :) if that matters) who has 2 nephews that are mixed, both "look" black. One had a father who left when he was a baby and was raised by his white mother, and the other was a product of a rape of my brothers wife. My brother chose to raise him as his own son. He is now 15 yrs. old.
    I can tell you that I worry about both of them. One who seems to be taking the wrong path, and the other who has struggled with "being different" from his brothers and sisters.
    They both need strong role models like yourself, out there and helping to change the old stereotypes and mind-sets relating to racism.
    Your doing a great job, keep up the good work!
    Blessings to you and your beautiful family!
    Ann B.

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  2. Thank you so much for your comment. It meant a lot to know that others are seeing it to, and that it's not just me.

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