Fatherhood and masculinity

Context

• Men → expected to not cry → makes them look childish + weak + feminine

• Ant Middleton, presenter of SAS → criticised for discouraging son for crying in front of others. He told him to “hold in his emotions” + cry privately at home with him instead → bc his son was called “crybaby” at school

• Boys are often told “man up” + “crybaby” + “boys don’t cry”

• In the past, behaviour associated with males suggests that they should behave strong, brave and confident and not act feminine (emotional)

• In 21st century, nearly a quarter of families in UK are single parent families, but 90% of these are women

Key quotes and analysis

• “Losing my temper and also hitting my daughter” → chapter 47, Dante’s disgusted with himself; realises he cares a lot for his daughter → shows how psychologically and maturely he is grown (links to growing up, Emma, fatherhood)

• “At least he hasn’t done a runner like a lot of men do” → chapter 23, highlights Dante’s growth and maturation; he is able to rise to the challenge of fatherhood; able to handle it (links to growing up, fatherhood, masculinity)

• “You’d give up your own flesh and blood because she’s… inconvenient” → chapter 10 → Tyler realises he wants to give up Emma for his mental health; he forces Dante to take responsibility while he does with himself (links to responsibility and masculinity)

• “If you ever call my daughter ugly again, I’ll punch your fists in” → chapter 20 Dante behaves ‘manly’ after Logan has called his son ugly (links to fatherhood, masculinity)