‘Oh, they’re movin’ father’s grave to build a sewer…’

It isn’t Father’s Day here in Aussie, but it’s been interesting observing it across the rest of the world. My impression has been that there’s been a bit more this year – good thing, IMO. They’re still dorks on TV and in advertising, and often outright villains in Trad Pub… but there seems to be a sea change in the public.

Fathers tend to – in real life anyway, be protective. The male fantasy of being the rearguard who stays facing possible death, to see the women and children get away is a very much a part of Western culture. A good thing too, IMO. Of course, this is a little problematic when the hero of the story is not the dad. Maybe there’s the answer.

They need to be.

The world is a pretty ugly place. We need to see that, and, boys especially, need heroes that they want to grow into being. To build and to protect. Honestly, it’s hardwired into genetics, and it feels good to do it. Everyone wins – except the ones who wanted him buried and that grave to be a sewer.

To the Old Man who read me ‘The Elephant’s Child’ – salute.