And in only five shows was the father presented as competent and involved in family life, without needing a humiliating life-lesson by the end of each episode. Of course, TV doesn't offer a precise reflection of family life. Never has, never will. Sadly, the message that fathers are superfluous, or worse, is pervasive. The latest report by the National Marriage Project, released last week, showed that while most teenagers still want to marry, there's a growing pessimism among girls that they'll marry happily and for life.
Single motherhood is viewed as an increasingly acceptable option.
That bespeaks a loss of faith in fathers. It shows they're kind of clueless about what it takes to raise a child. Heroic exceptions aside, it does take a dad to raise a healthy child. The more we emphasize the extremes, from Perfect Papa to Deadbeat Dad, the harder it will be for ordinary men to get their due. But he's seeing hopeful signs.