Men, we must take back throne from the women

Mother’s Day will always be more prestigious than Father’s Day because it was designed to be so; although they are both commercial in content. I support the fact that mothers are the central unit of the family and the nurturers but they encourage a lot of slackness in the society with regard to their children.

Women were not made to rule the world, but because of the absenteeism and irresponsibility of us men, we have given up our throne without a fight. We have to take it back. To do this we must stop being downright stupid and lead from the front.

Barack Obama, the former president of the US, is a great father and dignified leader. Nelson Mandela proved to be one of the greatest human beings to walked the face of this Earth; he had charisma, humility and wisdom.

Donald Trump, US President, has been an outstanding father regardless of his shortcomings.

I had a compatriot, Anthony Byer, who should be applauded for his efforts to achieve great heights and at the same time being a fine husband and father.

Wayne Huggins, a former co-worker, at one time looked after his children on his own and is now quite comfortable in life after walking down the aisle for a second time.

There is also Kirt Niles, my childhood prodigy. Although not married, he instilled values, standards and ethics of behaviour in his three children. We grew up in hard times and coming from a depressed area we had to work ten times harder, but we made it.

I never abdicated my throne.

I attended my children’s (two daughters) Parent-Teacher Association meetings and performed my fatherly duties, giving justice where it was due. Some might say I am a bit too strict, but that has kept them in line. I am happy to say I had excellent parents from the old school.

The world has changed tremendously due to all this technology.

Respect for people and the law are things of the past.

Motorists drive in the wrong direction on one-way streets, break traffic lights, overtake when they should not and cause fatalities.

How can I forget my neighbours Rex Griffith and Frankie O’Neil, two gems. Rex has been referred to as an “A-Plus” husband and Frankie, a jack-of-all trades who is always willing to extend a helping hand.

All is not lost in the man’s world, the young ones just have to pick up the pieces and resume their leadership. To the illiterate males in the society, stop embarrassing us as we are precious to the world. Leave Fr Clyde Harvey and others alone, they are exemplars.

Thanks to Luther Vandross for that wonderful song, Dance With My Father. Happy Father’s Day to men across the world (one day latter).

EARL MARTIN Trincity