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What We Have Learned From TV Dads
(by By Melissa Frasier (aka The Busy Mom) - June 14, 2010)
TV sitcoms, movies and the media have portrayed dads in many different ways over the past couple of decades that are quite different than the Father Knows Best stereotype of the 1950s. How has the role of dad changed in the family? Is television an accurate portrayal of dads in the current century?
Ironically enough, most of the dads on television shows are portrayed as the goofy, screw up who is always making a mess of things. Ironically enough, Fathers Day as a holiday, had not always been received well either. How it all started was back in 1909 when Sandra Dodd was listening to a Mothers Day sermon in church. The idea came to her that there should be a holiday to celebrate fathers. Her father was a widower who had to raise six children on his own. She wanted to give him the honor as a father, just as mothers were receiving on Mothers Day. The first Fathers Day celebration was in 1910, but it took many years to try and get this holiday recognized officially. It was in danger of disappearing off of the calendar altogether. (source: Wikipedia).
In fact, like in the TV sitcoms, Fathers Day was laughed at and considered just another filler on the calendar. For 4O years, Mothers Day was officially recognized and celebrated, but Fathers Day wasnt made an official holiday until 1972. If you think about it, that really wasnt too long ago.
Now I dont agree with the portrayal of dad on television shows as the goofy, messed up characters that we see in most of the shows. But what if we looked at TV dads to pick out the perfect Fathers Day gift this year for your dad?
Is your dad like Al Bundy? Al was a character who fondly remembers high school, was the star of the football team, and loved reliving his glory days. So if your dad is like Al, how about downloading some of his old high school football photos into a cool digital photo frame? He can relive those cherished memories over and over again.
Is your dad like Cliff Huxtable? Cliff was a professional dad, a doctor, who always had time for his kids and usually had some funny story to tell. How about something for dads office? There are some really cool pens and mechanical pencils that wont break the bank, but you can guarantee that he will use it every day. There is nothing nicer than a pen that works well.
Is your dad like George Jetson? George is a cartoon dad, but he is just like any other dad. He works hard, gets yelled at by the boss, and is always trying to take care of his duties at home (like walking the dog). A dad like that would probably like the gift money cant buy, help with chores! Give dad a break and take out the trash, walk the dog, or mow the lawn. This is one gift that wont be returned!
Is your dad like Fred Flintstone? Fred spends those long days at the quarry, but loves to bowl and unwind. This kind of dad would love dinner or lunch out. Take him to his favorite place to eat, no matter how greasy or calorie ridden the food is. This is one day that no one should have to watch their sodium intake or cholesterol!
Dads are generally easy to shop for. They love just about anything the kids get for them, from those ridiculous ties to the cheesy macaroni picture frames. They are such great sports about it too. (They will wear those ties just to make the kids smile.) But take some time to really get dad something he will love. Honor him for all those spiders he has killed, scraped knees he has bandaged, and wrestling matches on the floor. As the busy mom, I know I depend on my husband so much. Without him, I wouldnt be able to do half of what I get done everyday. He is the rock, when I am the marshmallow. He is the balance, when I am off track. So to my husband, I say thanks, and to all dads out there who make moms jobs so much better. Happy Fathers Day!
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