on the eve of Father’s Day I’m thinking about the hypocrisy of the hallmark days of holy obligation and how I find irritating and silly the whole culture of hypocrisy and fake morality
I appreciate you offering a historical context for Father’s Day. I never knew the origin story. Also, it is important to consider the religious context. Honoring our parents seems to be a lost art. I dislike Father’s Day for the same reason I dislike Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day. These so-called celebrations are performative. The entire holiday centers around consumerism and gift-giving giving, as you mentioned. I don't feel anything inherently wrong with spending a day focused on a parent — perhaps sharing a special meal or having a picnic.
But, for me, the respect for one’s elders is generally lacking. Close to one-third of millennials have disowned their parents. There's a lack of connection, trust, and healthy bonding. It’s sad for the child and parents. The solution? Maybe time focused on strengthening family and extended family bonds.
My father was absent and met some of the criteria you described. While I deeply loved my father, the damage he did left a scar. I wish Father’s Day could be reframed as Protector’s Day or Supportive Male Figures Day. Over the years, there have been men who have been a source of support and guidance for me. It would be strange to send them a Father’s Day card. Lol. Some of them are my age! But, I could write them a letter and let them know how much their support has meant to me.
I appreciate that. Some people in my life had a very complicated relationship with their dad. I agree focussing culture on strengthening and mending family attachments would be helpful and it’s certainly time for that.
I appreciate you offering a historical context for Father’s Day. I never knew the origin story. Also, it is important to consider the religious context. Honoring our parents seems to be a lost art. I dislike Father’s Day for the same reason I dislike Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day. These so-called celebrations are performative. The entire holiday centers around consumerism and gift-giving giving, as you mentioned. I don't feel anything inherently wrong with spending a day focused on a parent — perhaps sharing a special meal or having a picnic.
But, for me, the respect for one’s elders is generally lacking. Close to one-third of millennials have disowned their parents. There's a lack of connection, trust, and healthy bonding. It’s sad for the child and parents. The solution? Maybe time focused on strengthening family and extended family bonds.
My father was absent and met some of the criteria you described. While I deeply loved my father, the damage he did left a scar. I wish Father’s Day could be reframed as Protector’s Day or Supportive Male Figures Day. Over the years, there have been men who have been a source of support and guidance for me. It would be strange to send them a Father’s Day card. Lol. Some of them are my age! But, I could write them a letter and let them know how much their support has meant to me.
I appreciate that. Some people in my life had a very complicated relationship with their dad. I agree focussing culture on strengthening and mending family attachments would be helpful and it’s certainly time for that.