Zue Lee's Critical Review of Black Fatherhood in America
Zue Lee provides a critical review of being a black father in America demonstrating the stark differences between the reality and the media representation of black masculinity. Father Figures presenting contrasting images with the myth of black fathers that is often used to explain social issues including mass incarceration, chronic unemployment, gun violence, and income inequality afflicting the black population (C\"). The photographs bring into perspective the real-life struggles faced by black fathers as they try their very best to provide their children with the best chance at life. The photographs reveal that despite the black fathers not being in traditional relationships of living with their partners and children, they were present, loving and responsible (Lee). Lee’s pictures also present the tough economic, personal and social circumstances black fathers go through and still manage to perform their roles.
Changing Conceptions of Black Fatherhood
The photographer’s work provides a new frame of thinking towards black fathers by giving a glimpse into an often ignored yet very crucial role they play in the lives of their children. The images presenting personal and intimate relationships between black fathers and their children offer a clear contrast from the representation in the media and changes society’s conception of black fatherhood. The work provides an important basis to make an informed description of the humanity of black fathers.
Goals as a Parent
The review of the images on black fatherhood is a great learning platform and provides some of the goals I have as a parent. The images present the lengths black fathers go to make their children happy and satisfied despite the strains in the social and economic front. I would like to provide my children the best they can achieve and ensure they live a better and more comfortable life with access to food, education, clothing, and above all love. I would love to be there every stage of my children’s growing life and help them achieve their goals in life by providing the best conditions for them to thrive. I also aim is to spend quality time with my children. The fathers and their children in the photographs share passionate moments that I believe they cannot trade for anything in this world, which is one of my goals as a parent. The other challenge that came up from the photographs is never to give excuses on parenting. The black fathers demonstrated the drive and motivation to be the best their children could ever have regardless of challenging social and economic conditions. My goal is to strive to provide the best through adequate planning and always ensure they are happy without giving excuses as a parent. My other goal as a parent is the creation of a loving, fun, and family atmosphere where each is heard to help them grow up confident, articulate, and willing to present their views. I believe the society needs more people who can speak up and offer children a voice at a young age helps them grow into it. I would also instill virtue, respect, and discipline in my children hoping that they will grow up in harmony with others and follow directions in school. Letting them make their choices in life including career choices and family are other goals I have to avoid stifling their creativity and affecting their potential. I look forward to a happy and fulfilling experience as a parent.
Work Cited
Contemporary and (C"). “Zun Lee: Father Figure-Exploring alternate notions of Black Fatherhood.” Bronx Documentary Center, 2012. http://www.contemporaryand.com/exhibition/zun-lee-father-figure-exploring-alternate- notions-of-black-fatherhood/. Accessed February 28, 2018.
Documentary Center, 2012. http://www.zunlee.com/fatherfigure#0. Accessed February 28, 2018.
Lee, Zun. “Father Figure: Exploring alternative notions of black fatherhood” Bronx Documentary Center, 2012. http://www.zunlee.com/fatherfigure#0. Accessed February 28, 2018.
