Dudes Get Dissed
I have several friends, cyber and IRL, some both, who are single fathers. Some share custody with their kids’ other parents and some have primary custody of their kids. But every last one of my friends who are fathers are actively involved in raising their children. They are absolutely NOT absentee fathers. They aren’t even see-you-on-the-weekend fathers. They are they epitome of what a father should be. And those who have shared custody with their kids’ other parent would like (and have to to great time and expense to try to obtain) more time with their kids.
That’s one of the reasons that the momsrising organization pissed me off when it first came on the scene. Not only was it trying to get more rights for women who chose to have children, often to the detriment of people who chose not to, but they also, as evidenced by the name of the organization, give only a passing nod to fathers.
So, when I read Thomas’s blog post this morning, I wasn’t really all that surprised by the content, but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t pissed off about it. And I think I’m even more pissed off about it because I’m not surprised by it. It’s just par for the course. And that’s wrong.
The abridged version is that Onslow Memorial Hospital is looking for some bloggers to discuss the trials and tribulations of parenting. What’s wrong with that? They’re only looking for mommy-bloggers. Because, you know, obviously, women are the only people who know anything about raising kids.
Personally, I think Thomas should apply for the Onslow Memorial Hospital blogging gig despite the fact that he’s not a mommy. He’s a damned good parent who shares custody of his daughter with his daughter’s mother. He’s just as responsible for his daughter’s well-being, education, financial needs, emotional needs, etc. as is the child’s mother. So why would his opinions, thoughts, stories, and comments be any less valuable?
It is, therefore, with a tip of my hat to Delmer and Ron, and the other guys I know who are fathers, that I implore Thomas to fill out the online application for the “mommy”-blogging position. If not for yourself, Thomas, do it for all the other fathers out there who have been forgotten, underappreciated, and ignored.
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October 9th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
I saw, over at Thomas’s blog, that he’s applied and is being considered.
Sweet!
October 11th, 2009 at 9:29 am
I did apply and the Hospital has confirmed receiving the application. I have a telephone interview Monday afternoon.
I would add that I’m not entirely sure how seriously I’m being considered. It’d certainly surprise me if I were selected to blog for the hospital.
I do appreciate all the support, Delmer and Emma. Thank you!
October 12th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Thomas, I got your e-mail. Congratulations on your new gig as a “mommy-blogger.”
October 12th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
It’s true…I am Onslow Memorial’s newest mommy-blogger.
The offer and acceptance were made today. I’ll be seeing a local photographer for a headshot and then I’ll be getting in touch with the media company for access, etc. There’s a six-month committment and a small stipend.
All-in-all, it’s a pretty good deal and I’m excited.