Jae's Post on Parenthood

 

The parenthood presentations all had one thing in common, the fathers were primarily the “fun dad” and the more easy going parent. In addition to this the fathers were the ones who worked while the mothers were stay at home moms and more the caretaker for the children. As shown in John's example of Mr.Mom; In some cases when the father is the stay at home dad he is portrayed as constantly struggling with the mother's role. Another thing that John brought was this idea of the maternal instinct which has never been proven. Fathers have the same ability as mothers. It is all about practice. However fathers don't have access to books about parenthood like mothers do. Society expects mothers t care for the kids so everything about parenting is targeted towards them. Josephine brought up the traditional family and said it was unrealistic. In terms of alternative parenting there is gay adoption and regular adoption. Alternative parenting is not as present in the media unless it has to do with gay parenting or celebrity adoption. For example Brooke's presentation talks about Clay Aiken and how he had two sons via surrogacy. However the media mainly focused on his sexuality. The media tries to keep this image of a “perfect family” so it makes sense that alternative parenting isn't in the media as much as families just having kids. To wrap up, mothers are expected to be care tackers and fathers bread winners. Alternative parenting, in the media revolves around celebrities.

I know some of my friends don't want families. They would rather have their freedom. I think the media portrays motherhood as this amazing thing. Girls today know that motherhood is hard based on the media. I want to be a father some day not because of the media but because I want children.