Fatherless America
In the second paragraph, Mr. Blankenhorn states that, “About 40 percent of American children will go to sleep in homes in which their fathers do not live” (287). I disagree with this statement because I believe there is a higher percentage of American children going to sleep in homes in which their fathers do not live. As the rate of teen pregnancy and divorces increases, also does the rate of fatherless children increase. Mr. Blankenhorn also stated that, “Before they reach the age of eighteen, more than half of our nation’s children are likely to spend at least a significant portion of their childhoods living apart from their fathers” (287). Unfortunately, this is true. Having a father around has been linked to important developments in a child 's physical, emotional and behavioral health. Several leading sociologists have labeled father absence "the most pressing issue facing America today"(Stuart). President Barack Obama, who was raised by a single mother, has forcefully pleaded with fathers to step up throughout his presidency. "In many ways, I came to understand the importance of fatherhood through its absence — both in my life and in the lives of others," Obama wrote in a 2009 Father 's Day piece in Parade Magazine. "I came to understand that the hole a man leaves when he abandons his responsibility to his children is one that no government can fill. We can do everything possible to provide good jobs and good schools and safe streets for our kids, but it will never be enough to fully make up the difference" (Stuart).
I grew up without knowing what it means to have a father. I am 18 years old and I do not recall going to bed with my father in the same house. I don’t think it ever happened. I have only seen my father four times in my whole life. My father was and still is “a two-second father” meaning he was never there for me. I have observed that there are more single parents than joined parents. Hardly, would an observer see a responsible father with
I grew up without knowing what it means to have a father. I am 18 years old and I do not recall going to bed with my father in the same house. I don’t think it ever happened. I have only seen my father four times in my whole life. My father was and still is “a two-second father” meaning he was never there for me. I have observed that there are more single parents than joined parents. Hardly, would an observer see a responsible father with
Cited: Stuart, Elizabeth. "Fatherless America? A Third of Children Now Live without Their Dad." DeseretNews.com. N.p., 22 May 2011. Web. 22 Mar 2013. <http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700137767/Fatherless-America-A-third-of-children-now-live-without-dad.html?pg=all>.