http://lifestyle.msn.com/your-life/family-parenting/staticslideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=31530878
It makes the assertion that usually dads in movies are either clueless or overbearing. My dad has made similar comments about TV dads, and it’s true. More often than not fathers are portrayed as absent-minded or just plain absent, as jerks or idiots. It was refreshing to be reminded of the film roles of dads who do their job well, especially this week when my own father celebrates his 70th birthday.
My dad played a crucial role in my life growing up. He made me a feminist because of his belief that girls can do what boys can do. He taught me how to throw a baseball, how to shoot a basketball, how to bat left-handed. He expected me to do as well in math and science as I did in the arts. My household chores weren’t only the “girl” ones but also included weeding and mowing the lawn. He took me to go lift weights with him and my brothers when I was 8. And he bought me a speed bag shortly thereafter when I asked for one, teaching me how to punch it. But he also made sure I did a lot of reading and learned about the arts. I wasn’t treated like a girl that he wished had been a boy, I was treated like a girl who was capable of anything. (Conversely, my brothers were expected to perform as well in the arts as they did in math and science and they didn’t just do “boy” chores but also washed dishes and dusted.)
When I was 12, he sat me down to watch The Godfather and instructed me in its life lessons, that I should act like Michael and never lose my temper like Sonny. That’s what got Sonny killed. That lesson has served me well in life, especially as a teacher. If you never yell at your kids and instead perfect “the look” (another lesson I picked up from my dad because he scared the pee out of us kids when he used it), classroom management is easier.
I learned how to debate by watching him and my brother debate each other, and I learned public speaking by watching him preach. Most importantly, I learned how a real man treats women by watching him interact with my mom.
Happy Birthday, Pops!