Girls, here’s why you ought to spare a thought for your fathers

Adult black family talking at dinner. [Courtesy]

One evening not long ago, I asked my father what his favourite colour is. It was a moment of sad realization for me, just discovering that after all these years, I know so little about a father I have seen and known all my life.

As was the experience of many growing up, all laughter ceased when the father got home. He may not have been intoxicated or in a foul mood but his mere presence caused everyone to quickly leave the room or feign interest in an object far away. Fathers are generally seen as providers and disciplinarians. Perhaps as a result of cultural conditioning, they are far removed from a child’s emotional world.