The Double Standard of Being a Parent

 A topic we discussed in class that stuck with me was the double standard between men and women when it comes to being parents. Society is quick to praise fathers for doing basic parenting tasks, while mothers are expected to do the same things without recognition. The show I've been obsessed with, Desperate Housewives, shows this clearly through characters Lynette and Tom Scavo. When Tom loses his job, Lynette has to step up and become the main provider for their family. Her new job requires long hours and late nights, but instead of being praised she is so quickly judged. She is labeled an absentee mom and criticized for not being home enough, even though she is working for the sake of her children. What makes this even more frustrating is that when Tom worked late nights before he was seen as a hard worker and a good, loving father. No one questioned his parenting or commitment to his family. Lynette is still caring, involved, and overwhelmed, but her effort is treated as normal and expected. The show highlights how unfair these standards are and how common this mindset still is today.

Comments

  1. Judi GentlemanJanuary 25, 2026 at 7:04 PM

    The most frustrating word said by a dad is that he can’t do something with his friends because he’s babysitting. BABYSITTING? They’re his children!! Double standards when parenting still exist. When was the last time you (1) heard a dad being asked to bring cupcakes to the class party (2) had a dad in the waiting room at a pediatrician's office or dentist office without their partner or (3) had a dad take time off to chaperon a class trip? Unfortunately, double standards still exist and are unfair to both parents and the children.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Taylor WagnerJanuary 26, 2026 at 8:13 AM

    It's crazy to me that dads are praised for simply being a dad. As far as kids go, it always seems to be the moms job to get the kids ready, make them lunch, etc. Moms are seen as the "bad guy" because they make kids do the things they have to do, yet the dad is the fun parent because he takes them to do the fun things or not do anything at all.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

WELCOME!

Image
  This is the space for you to comment on your weekly readings, class discussions, and class topics. Feel free to post anything that pertains to our class. Post appropriate videos, pictures, or links to other sites and engage in conversations among each other. Blog as much and as often as you want--but at least once a week (by Sunday at midnight) and comment on at least two posts. Always remember to be respectful toward other's identities, ideas, and opinions. I look forward to hearing from you! Ina    
Read more

A Heated Rivalry or Wicked Misogyny?

Image
 As someone who may hold bias to the extent that I refuse to watch Heated Rivalry, I think it's important to state that I've seen a couple of episodes, and the show just isn't for me. I've also watched both the Wicked movies starring Cynthia Erivo and Arianna Grande. Now you are probably wondering what these two media films have in common. Well, nothing to be exact, and I think that's the preface we must state first.  This isn't about the series/movies, it's about the co-stars, but first, here's a little context you may need to understand where I am coming from. Arianna Grande plays in the musical adaptation of Wicked and Wicked for Good, directed by Jon M. Chu. She takes on the role of playing Galina (Galinda the Good), she is a very privileged and self-absorbed young woman who attends Shiz University and ends up facing an internal battle of being for the people or wanting her personal desire to keep her bond with Elphaba. Elphaba Thropp (The Wicked Wit...
Read more

Intro/Post-Grad Plans!

Image
Hi everyone, My name is Emily Webb, and I’m from Frederick, Maryland. I am a senior majoring in Digital Culture & Design with a double minor in Graphic Design and Social Media. I am currently finishing up my applications for Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) programs in Technology Education or Art Education. My goal is to become a secondary teacher for digital arts courses. I am excited about combining my love for digital media with teaching and helping students develop both creative and technical skills. Outside of school, I enjoy crafting with my Cricut. I love designing projects and bringing them to life by pressing my designs onto clothes and other items. Creating something tangible from a digital idea is really rewarding. I’m looking forward to connecting with all of you, sharing ideas, and learning from your experiences this semester!  If you’re a senior, what are your post-grad plans (I know, the dreaded question), and if you’re not, what are you hoping to do after gradua...
Read more