Hollywood and literature often portrays fathers in a terrible light. They are more often than not portrayed as bumbling idiots...with the mother being held up as a model of virtue and common sense. What does this tell children about their fathers? Take the "Berenstain Bears" for instance. In this seemingly good and harmless book series Papa Bear is portrayed as a big, lazy, bumbling, dumb, oaf. He's is laughed at by Mama Bear and by Brother and Sister bear. We see this kind of thing everywhere now. Countless movies today depict families with abusive, corrupt, or just plain missing fathers. One of the most glaringly obviouss of these being Homer Simpson of the ever popular "The Simpsons". Being a father is one of the most wonderful callings a man can commit to. Being a good father takes virtue, courage, and love. It most definitely is not an easy task. Fathers should be held up by society as examples. Instead they are ridiculed and mocked.
It is always quite refreshing to see a movie that portrays fatherhood as it should be (Batman Begins, Life is Beautiful, Courageous, Finding Nemo, and even the Andy Griffith Show.) The movie that stands out the most to me is "Life is Beautiful". This movie takes place in Italy during WWII. The father in this movie, Guido, is taken to a concentration camp along with his young son. His self-sacrifice and love for his son is one of the most inspiring things you will ever see.
I am very lucky to have grown up with a wonderful father my entire life. My Dad quietly showed me and my brothers, mostly by his example, what it meant to be a man and a loving husband and father. I never have to look farther than my dad if I want to see an example of a hardworking, Catholic man and father. Thank you, Dad. I can only hope that I will follow in your footsteps if I ever become a father myself.
