Newsweek Calls Laid-Off Fathers Gym-Hitting, Cartoon-Watching Layabouts
Posted on 08. Mar, 2009 by Brian Reid in General
Sometimes, I just don’t know where to start. Newsweek, last week, ran this extraordinary piece of drivel on how men have historically used periods of unemployment and economic turmoil to hit the bottle (and the gym and the remote). There is some historical analysis there that is utterly inapplicable to the current state of things, as well as heavy reliance on some borderline-satirical websites.
The fact is that, during economic downturns, the number of guys who pick up responsibilities at home skyrockets — as made clear in the early 1990s recession. I’m sure it’s hip to suggest otherwise, but we’re in an era in which fathers are picking up a historical amount of household responsibilities. Are we anywhere near 50/50? No (and that’s an issue worth addressing). But we sure ain’t couch-bound slobs, no matter what Newsweek may tell you.
Sarah
09. Mar, 2009
Hi Rebel Dad,
Just wanted to drop you a line to say keep up the good work. I am a Portland, OR living, working mom with a SAH husband who takes care of our almost 3-year-old daughter full time. I bookmarked your blog so my husband could read it, but I end up reading it far more often. I wonder how many reader moms you have vs. dads?
Keep speaking up against Dadscrimination (did I just make that up?) and antiquated ideas of what makes a family healthy and strong!
-sb
cakeburnette
09. Mar, 2009
LOL…welcome to the world of SAHM…bon-bon, anyone? ;D
Dan
11. Mar, 2009
I think its sad that this is the way so many people think of men. Obviously, there is truth to a certain extent of this stereotype, but the whole “I pay the bills, my woman cleans and takes care of the house” thing is played out. I know some people who still try and cling to that persona, but being close to them, I know the history that led to it, and the same with their significant others, who because of past events are most interested in feeling protected by their man, and not in following their own aspirations and making their own way. I’m not saying my friends are wrong to think that way, but Newsweek doesn’t seem to recognize that not all men are like that (nor relationships)
rudy
11. Mar, 2009
newsweek should try that in mexico, where my kins, my uncles, cousins, and even the little boys do not to any chores, cook, diapers, or even dare to play dad. Their way of life is totally diffrent. They are great providers, protectors, and great drinkers. As for me when i cross back to the U. S. A.. In south texas, being a SAHD is a rare. An when unemployed it is easy to see what others do; being unemployed gives some men time to enjoy that cold beer, that bbq cookout,and even those waking up late mornings. When the benifits run out. Time to take things more serious. I get to go to my unemployed friends and enjoy their fine cooking, cold beer, and see my little boy play with all those other kids. While thier wives take over watching over the kids ”
yeah right” they also enjoy the good time. It is not a big deal being a normal guy. I am just glad that when i come home. There is no mess to clean, the baby is napping, and i start supper for the family. and tell them my day at my unemplyed friends when we are all at the table.by the way this weekend is my turn to bbq. Newsweek you are welcome to come and get a real way of like is south texas.
Working Dad
11. Mar, 2009
Is this what I have to look forward to, gym time and a lot more ESPN watching? What a joke.
Daniel
13. Mar, 2009
sitting on the couch with remote? if I could find it, under the tonka truck maybe?no. Of course… the fish tank. being an unemployed carpenter was imasculating at first, but now I tresure the bond my son and I have forged. And is more satisfying than any paycheck. I’m new to this hole situation, but thank God I waited to have kids, becuase I didn’t have nearly enough patience in my 20′s. For example did you know that a tiolet IS strong enough to flush a hot wheel?
rudy
15. Mar, 2009
totally funny and true, I stated at 40 years of age, and my litte boy still trys to flush cat and is a great helper he is now 16 month old. What to expect as he is getting older Will be somtthing to remember
Matt Schneider
16. Mar, 2009
Emily Bazelon makes a similar argument in Slate.
http://www.slate.com/id/2213485/
I have observed a lot of friends (male and female) being laid off over the last few months. I have to say that many of the men that I have observed are not stepping up to their fair share of the “second shift.” Many seem to be depressed to the point of inaction in both their job search and their contribution to the household.
Nick
05. Apr, 2009
I am this I am that, all of this is irrelevant. As long as the kids are healthy and safe what is the damn difference. If you are depressed bored or whatever, look around you and see the blessings that are there. Then get off the couch shut off the damn television and do the dishes.