I was raised by a father who was born in 1919 and a mother of the same era. They lived through the depression and family roles were very clear cut in those days (as I was taught by my father). My father was the care taker of the family matters and from all appearances, the final say about any disputes that presented. He, although a compassionate and fair man and certainly respected by the community, had all the power – he had the ultimate control over the family. Now, it wasn’t a malignant power; it was just how it was and society defined the roles of the men and women back then just as it is done now.
As the rules changed in regards to male and female roles, it was not met without resistance. You see, the power we had as men and caretakers of our family had been diminished by society and rightly so. Far too many abused their power over their partners and even those who were not responsible roles models for their families, continued to use and of course, abuse the assumed power over the family.
Here’s what I think happens when the control and power is questioned: It is thought to be an innate power and when it is questioned and the, let’s say, head of the household has problems with communication skills or has a fear of losing control, then anxiety becomes a component of the family dynamic and that just doesn’t mix well. This post is addressed to only the males – our society and the rules are ever so changing and we should embrace the differences between men and women and further, explore how to lose the fear of someone else sharing the load or in short, being in control. How do we define what a man is? That is the real question. As a man, what is more important? Love or Respect? I would ask the same question of any female readers. This is just a perspective and I write this knowing there are many more…
Role of a man
