Celebrating Father’s Day Beyond Politics

Father’s Day, much like any other holiday, ideally should not be tied to political views. Yet, it seems to present a challenge for some individuals on the political left, especially as fewer men align with Democratic ideals.

To understand this predicament, it’s important to recognize that Father’s Day stands as a tribute to what fathers contribute as protectors and providers. At their best, fathers are not only strong partners to their wives but also serve as leaders, both benevolent and demanding, for their children.

Strong fathers are aware of fundamental concepts of right and wrong, instilling these complex, yet vital, values in their children. That’s why we honor Father’s Day; it showcases the invaluable role that honorable men play in families and society, acting as pillars of strength and stability.

Why Fatherhood Matters

This notion shouldn’t spark controversy; however, the left often labels masculinity as toxic and criticizes what they term as the patriarchy. Men who champion clear laws and biological differences serve as a counterbalance to the left’s current rhetoric.

These fathers know that robust families, particularly strong father figures, stand firmly against absurd trends, such as men disguising themselves in women’s sports.

The left’s willingness to break down the nuclear family stems from this knowledge; strong fathers challenge the desire for increased government dependence, encouraging traits like responsibility and independence in their children.

It’s noteworthy that the left tends to overlook deep discussions about the implications of single-parent families. Instead of acknowledging that some marriages may not be beneficial, they instead celebrate them, despite evidence showing that children—with a father present—generally perform better in various aspects of life.

For the political left, Father’s Day can be relegated to a commercial event. If the holiday’s essence is reduced to a mere exchange of socks or humorous cards, then it poses no threat to the efforts of strong fathers in shaping masculinity.

This is troubling for the left because Father’s Day serves as a heartfelt recognition of the strength and commitment that dedicated fathers provide—those who coach sports teams, lead outdoor excursions, and introduce their children to genuine heroes.

For instance, I realized my 13-year-old son needed role models in his life. So, I created a book called “Cool Heroes for Boys,” featuring 20 true adventure stories. Interestingly, many of these heroes have been denounced by the left. I didn’t choose them for that reason, but strong, admirable figures often find themselves in the crosshairs of such criticisms.

In fact, during 2020, the left made headlines by tearing down statues of numerous historical heroes.

Communicating About Fatherhood

So, how can we engage with the themes that the left seems reluctant to address on Father’s Day?

One effective remedy for the dismissive attitudes towards robust fatherhood is to celebrate our heroes, which is particularly important as our nation approaches its 250th anniversary. John Hancock famously signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, boldly risking his life by doing so. That’s true bravery.

If you’re pondering what gift to give your dad, consider who his own hero might be or who could inspire him. Great gift ideas might include historical biographies, prints, or films related to significant figures. For instance, I once gifted my father a historically accurate musket for Father’s Day—he absolutely loved it! You could even explore historical sites together, like the Freedom Trail in Boston, a journey I took with my son last year to commemorate the anniversary of the “shot heard ’round the world.” Visiting Gettysburg is another option, particularly poignant at locations like Colonel Joshua Chamberlain’s Wall, which holds special memories from my own visit with my dad.

Ultimately, as long as your actions are genuine, they will challenge the misleading narratives about fatherhood, contributing positively to our understanding of family and society.