On fatherhood

Why are we still so fascinated with “The Lion King” after three decades? It’s largely because of the centrality of fatherhood, as anthropomorphized by Mufasa (who was voiced by the late James Earl Jones). In a society that is grappling with rapid change and mounting challenges, the role of fathers remains a cornerstone of stability and growth. Yet, in too many homes – and in too many headlines — the critical importance of fatherhood is often overshadowed, minimized, or dismissed outright. It is time for us to confront the simple truth: strong fathers build strong families, and strong families build strong communities. Fatherhood is not just about biology; it is about presence, guidance, and love. It’s about showing up, day in and day out, to model integrity, instill values, nurture confidence, and offer correction. Too often, when we discuss family dynamics, the conversation centers almost exclusively on mothers. If the topic of fatherhood enters the discussion, it is often done solely to criticize them for their shortcomings. While maternal contributions to the rearing of children are undeniably invaluable, the relative cultural silence (or loudly spoken complaints) regarding fathers contributes to the notion that they are secondary. This is not only...