Author Roxe (CC BY-SA 3.0 Unported)
“Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity…” (Titus 2: 6-7).
So called “gangsta” culture, also, feeds into the problem of absent fathers in the inner city.
Gansta culture (no longer confined to a single race) embraces a super-macho image which prizes male power and gang loyalty above everything. For many, gangs take the place of family which is one reason they command such fierce loyalty.
The merest slight, even if unintended, may be perceived as disrespect. Disputes are resolved by violent means. The domination of women is glorified, which is why misogynistic lyrics are common in gansta rap.
The truth is that the boys fathering children never knew a father either. The grown men acting like boys are displaying their immaturity – not their strength. A large ego is a fragile ego.
The victimization of women has always been a way for men to vent their frustration with a society they felt robbed them of their due.
Community Impact
There is a negative impact from absent fathers, not only on individual lives, but the whole community.
“For a variety of reasons, including the lack of jobs, equal education and crime, many of those communities are now gripped in deep violence and fear. Strong, positive, hard working men are there, but in too many situations are not as visible or engaged with their kids or the other kids in the community. It is as if they leave home, go to work, come home and lock themselves inside their homes in front of TV sets. Not as many are walking the streets in the evenings, standing at the corner by the school bus stop, sitting in the church, or volunteering at the park or school.”
– Michael Knowles, “The Need for Male Role Models in African-American Communities” [1]
Make no mistake. There are good black fathers, men who want to be involved in the lives of their sons and daughters. Men who are sober, employed, and devout. Continue reading
ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse 