Home Raoul's TGIF Ugly Baby

Ugly Baby

Father’s Day Gift

I’m observing a changing social landscape. See if you agree with me.  They say we live in a patriarchal society where men are the bread winners and women take care of the children. Even though popular media decries the imbalance of men vs women’s salaries (which is still predominantly true) the same sources do not acknowledge that there have been  major strides towards the bridging of this gap.

Raise your hands if you know of a married couple where the wife earns more than her husband. Raise your hands if you know of a “house-band” who is taking care of the children while the wife goes to work. Raise your hands if you know of a hen-pecked husband.

Like the mystery of disappearing bees, there is a disappearing man who “wears the pants” in the house — the stereotype of the man of the 70’s — the chauvinistic strong silent James Bond types who rescue damsels and save the world. The liberated “secretaries” who sing “I am woman hear me roar” and who smoke Virginia Slims (wow! remember that?) have blossomed into independent Wonder Women. Still do not believe me? Compared to yesteryear, how many more women heroes are celebrated in TV and movies? Even Netflix has a category where females have a strong lead role.

When I attended my son’s graduation, I think the women grads far outnumbered the men by 75% … maybe more. Why? I have my theories but that is not really why I am bringing this up. I’m thinking of Sunday — Father’s Day. If you are wondering what a good gift will be for the Dad in your life, I am suggesting something other than the standard shirt or tie.

Because of the changing gender roles I believe Dads want appreciation more than anything money can buy. With the depiction of buffoons like Homer Simpson and other dorky TV Dads, you wonder if there are any hero Dads left. It’s true the “Me Too” movement has exposed some dastardly Dads but what about the faithful Dads? Can’t we cheer them on? Don’t get me wrong. We’re all imperfect and we all have our internal demons but Super Dad is not given much recognition.

Why is it easy for many of us to appreciate our Moms during Mother’s Day but Dads …? Why is it so much easier to focus on the negatives? Indeed there are some awful selfish Dads out there who deserve to be hung by their fingernails. Who am I to justify their misdeeds? My own Dad isn’t perfect. But neither am I. Let’s not talk about other Dads. Let’s talk about YOUR Dad. How is/was your relationship with your Dad? Does he, did he, fall short of your expectations? I ask because I wonder how I’m doing as a Dad. Did I do enough?

This Father’s Day, may I suggest you don’t buy him something he will never use. Instead, talk to him and have a meaningful conversation. Ask his advice. Make him feel important in your life. Initiate a bridge towards any needed reconciliation. If you are fortunate to have a super Dad, it will mean a lot for him to hear you say it.

For some, I totally understand if my suggestion is too hard to do … well, you can always get him a tie.

I know my Dad reads my TGIF joke email so, in front of everyone,  “thank you Dad! I appreciate all you did for me and helped shape me into the man I am today.  Love you a lot. I’ll try to call you on Sunday.”

Of course, this is just me.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
—   1 Corinthians 13:4-7

TGIF people!

Be Careful of Your Words

Shared by Eric of La Mirada, CA
According to Eric this was the funniest joke in a recent Scottish poll.

Ugly Baby

funny video

NBA Bad Lip Reading
Sent by Peter Paul of South Pasadena, CA

It’s trash talking time with the NBA players. Silly and funny.

WATCH VIDEO

Feel Good videoThe Animation Winner: Piper
Sent by Naomi of North Hollywood, CA

This  movie “Piper” won the Oscar for the best animated  movie. It’s  duration is only 3 min but  the director took 3  years to create it. See how life can change when our perception changes.  An outstanding movie!

WATCH VIDEO

Feel Good videoWhen Kids Grow Up With Dogs
Sent by Debbie of Moreno Valley, CA

Makes me want to have a dog again. I grew up with dogs but now it seems like the maintenance is too much for me right now. No pets for now. Less stress.

WATCH VIDEO

Don’s Puns

From Don’s collection of puns

Don's Puns: Check Mate

Parting Shot

Thanks to Rodney of Manitoba, B.C. who shared this photo

Parting Shot: Follow the Red Dot

Load More Related Articles
  • Happy Hell

    "Good evening ladies and gentlemen. We’re here in Hollywood California to celebrate the bi…
  • Tax Loophole

    Remember the dictator, Ferdinand Marcos of the Philippines? He transitioned from a legally…
  • Morning Coffee

    During the recent rains, I heard that almost all the roofs leaked and the runoff water cre…
Load More By Raoul Pascual
  • Happy Hell

    "Good evening ladies and gentlemen. We’re here in Hollywood California to celebrate the bi…
  • Tax Loophole

    Remember the dictator, Ferdinand Marcos of the Philippines? He transitioned from a legally…
  • Morning Coffee

    During the recent rains, I heard that almost all the roofs leaked and the runoff water cre…
Load More In Raoul's TGIF

6 Comments

  1. Lee M

    June 19, 2018 at 8:00 pm

    Good message tonight Raoul!

    Perhaps the best Father’s Day message I ever heard focused on when Jesus was baptized and the Spirit descended on him and the heavenly Father said to him, “you are my beloved son. In you I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:11). The minister asked us when was the last time we told our kids that they were loved and that we are well pleased with them? I went home and called my kids and have tried to remember every time I see them that I love them and am pleased with them.

    It has helped enormously for many years now and it helped me get my priorities back in order. I often gave the church all of my priorities and forgot that God also gave me a responsibility to tell my kids I love them and show them in practical ways with language and deeds that I do. I needed that pastor’s very biblical message and my kids who occasionally wondered how much I loved them or if I loved the church more than them. That was my failure and so I call them on Father’s Day rather than wait for them to call me, even if they are now father and mother and are raising their own kids.

    Blessings to you and your wife!

    Lee M

    Reply

  2. Tom

    June 19, 2018 at 8:01 pm

    Thanks for reminding me of the time spent with my Dad.

    He was a great Father and positive influence on me”

    Wish he were still here so I could tell him.
    Keep up your great intros. Happy Fathers Day!

    Tom

    Reply

  3. Heather

    June 19, 2018 at 8:02 pm

    Loved your column. It’ll make people think.

    Heather

    Reply

  4. Art

    June 19, 2018 at 8:02 pm

    Raoul,

    Have a great father’s day!!

    Ar

    Reply

  5. Rick

    June 19, 2018 at 8:03 pm

    Thanks Bro and Happy Father’s Day to you and Dad.
    Enjoy the weekend!

    Rick

    Reply

  6. Deb

    June 19, 2018 at 8:04 pm

    Happy Father’s Day !!

    Deb

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Check Also

Happy Hell

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen. We’re here in Hollywood California to celebrate the bi…