Dads Are Priceless!! But are they?

Not according to the message someone sent to me on watsapp. I am not going to prime you about my thoughts, but i would like you to read the message that was sent below, think about it and then  read my thoughts underneath. I would love to hear what people really think.

‘You asked for 10k and your dad told you he will give you in the morning before he leaves for work, this is after he has thoroughly scrutinised what you needed the money for, all the questions he asked is already making you angry. Through out the night the man couldn't sleep because he was thinking of how togive you his last 10k. Morning came and he called you into the room to give you 9k instead of 10k and you squeezed your face in discontent and reluctantly said thank you after complaining it's not complete. Your mum after seeing this will not say anything but will meet you in your roomwhere your dad isn't and give you 2k from her own money and say "don't mind him, use this one to complete it" smile from nowhere will enclave your face, you quickly go to facebook and whatsapp to write "I have the best mum in the world, i love my mum". Now your dad had gone out again with just 1k in his pocket home and abroad to top up fuel or use as transport to work. He will never let you see this because he is a MAN. Always try to appreciate your Dad for no reason because you won't know how your life would have turned out without a fatherly figure in it.. 

Dads are priceless too o!...

HAPPY FATHERS' DAY’

Dad’s are definitely priceless. In fact, all males are priceless, but this anecdote makes me feel sad. What does this story teach us? That men should not disclose how they feel, but just stomach it and pretend that all is great? That men should put on a brave face and not admit that they are struggling, emotionally, financially or even sexually? I think this anecdote fully demonstrates how inequality, bred by gender stereotypes, drives men to behave in alignment to antiquated rules of masculinity with very sad outcomes.  

The above encodes a false image of masculinity, which is presented to young boys and men over and over again, in every form imaginable. It is passed on through media, passed down through nuture, and reinforced in social interactions. The popular version of Masculinity which is largely accepted, without question is one that precludes vulnerability. The version of masculinity, which is taught to  most males is that of a He-man, who feels no pain, shows no emotion and carries the burden of the world without flinching. Research shows that worldwid, men are 1.7 times more likely to commit suicide on average than women. One of the factors believed to account for the higher numbers is the social constructions of masculinity. These constructs account for why men are less likely to seek for help over feelings of anxiety or depression, because society expects men to be strong and not feel.

This is not acceptable. All humans regardless of gender, should be able to show vulnerability with the ones they love and trust. Men, like women should have the opportunity to express feelings of vulnerability, rather than putting on a mask of false bravado. We must break down the walls of inequality, and create the safe space for our men to express their deepest anxieties and fears, and to find support in the midst of those who love them, without being made to feel less manly. 

It is all our responsibility to make a more equitable society. Next time a man opens up to you, give your full support and slowly but surely, we will be playing our part in advancing gender equality, by creating equal opportunity.

 genderequalityis4all, not just women. Fact.