THE EDITOR, Sir:ON READING your editorial of today (June 15,2003) titled 'Fathers, A new Dawning' and the organisations you mentioned has prompted me to share this experience I had with my two kids at two different schools.
For seven years I awaited the birth of my first child, a girl whom I love so much. During her upbringing to attend school I was there. I took her to school and picked her up after school. I also attended PTA and sports events.
On her first Mother's Day celebration at school she made a card and on that day presented it to her along with what she was told to say: "Happy Mother's Day".
The month after I had a similar experience with my son's Father's Day so I thought that I would get the same treatment. To my surprise no school cards. I wrote a letter to the principal of the school asking her to explain this phenomenon. Which she did by saying that Father's Day was not widely accepted as Mother's Day. I agreed with her but asked her to encourage the fathers who really can be counted.
I had a similar experience with my son who started school this year (January) and brought home a lovely Mother's Day card but none for Father's Day.
Is it a taboo in Jamaica to have a father who looks after his family? Is the mother who fathered me the norm?
I agree that some of these men need bending but if we don't do it together it will not work. Every effort must be made to highlight the role that fathers should play in bringing up a family. It should be the same as the mother's. For me a school card would be OK.
I am, etc.,
EARL A. STEWART
earl_duke_ja@yahoo.com
Silverstone, Greater Portmore
Via Go-Jamaica
