Dads are judged quite a bit (so are moms), both fairly and unfairly. Single dads, gay dads, absent dads, stay at home dads, too-busy dads, distant dads, new dads, dinosaur dads, and more, are often judged by others. We are not the same people so we can’t be expected to father the same way, but I would say we should all father in a loving, nurturing way.
“Passing judgment” is a tricky topic. On one hand, there are those that are critical of anything with which they are not comfortable. On the other hand, there are those that are critical of anyone who has an opinion different than theirs.
For instance, many in the gay and lesbian community are severely disparaged by often narrow minded people regarding their lifestyle. On the other hand, other narrow minded people jump all over those who speak against the gay lifestyle, not taking into account lifelong beliefs and religious teachings that can be very difficult to change or dismiss. The same dichotomy can be said for abortion, climate change, politics, gun control, tattoos, etc. What works for some people does not work for others, and it will always be that way.
Of course you should have a legal right to pass judgment, but the question is 'do you have a moral right' ? 'Passing judgment' is often just having an opinion. For example, I don’t happen to like tattoos, but I welcome those who want them, to get them. I complain about tattoos sometimes, only because I think they are generally unattractive and take away from a person’s beauty. I have a right to my opinion, but I would be wrong to criticize others who disagree with me. In short, I can dislike tattoos but I should not object to their right to have and boast about them.
There is a problem in that you can rarely get an honest opinion from anyone any longer! We are afraid of giving one for fear of retribution. That wouldn't be an issue if we could have a discussion without unfair criticism or undue sensitivity.
Mozilla fired its Firefox CEO for simply sending a personal check to a cause he believed in. It was a majority belief at the time (which I only mention to make the point that it was not a ridiculous cause) and it had nothing to do with his job performance. The company felt pressured to fire the CEO because of the complaints of an organization that had opposing beliefs. The important message here has nothing to do with what the CEO believed in. If you agree or disagree with him is not the issue. The issue is this type of action will, in effect, deny our free speech. Dissent will be viewed as a dangerous activity because someone will be offended and will want to punish you for your opinion. (I'm pretty sure that's the tactics of the Taliban.)
What has this to do with being a dad? A LOT! You shouldn't have a home where your children are afraid to speak up respectfully. To do so restricts their growth and often contributes to their frustration and anger. It’s also relevant to have two parents with different opinions and approaches, no matter how small, for kids to be able to see various approaches to any problem, stance, or situation.
What’s worse? “Being unfairly judgmental” or “losing your right to have an opinion”. We don’t want either, but if I had to express my opinion about the lesser evil, I’d say being unfairly judgmental IS the lesser evil. However, I absolutely respect your right to have a dissenting opinion!
“Passing judgment” is a tricky topic. On one hand, there are those that are critical of anything with which they are not comfortable. On the other hand, there are those that are critical of anyone who has an opinion different than theirs.
For instance, many in the gay and lesbian community are severely disparaged by often narrow minded people regarding their lifestyle. On the other hand, other narrow minded people jump all over those who speak against the gay lifestyle, not taking into account lifelong beliefs and religious teachings that can be very difficult to change or dismiss. The same dichotomy can be said for abortion, climate change, politics, gun control, tattoos, etc. What works for some people does not work for others, and it will always be that way.
Of course you should have a legal right to pass judgment, but the question is 'do you have a moral right' ? 'Passing judgment' is often just having an opinion. For example, I don’t happen to like tattoos, but I welcome those who want them, to get them. I complain about tattoos sometimes, only because I think they are generally unattractive and take away from a person’s beauty. I have a right to my opinion, but I would be wrong to criticize others who disagree with me. In short, I can dislike tattoos but I should not object to their right to have and boast about them.
There is a problem in that you can rarely get an honest opinion from anyone any longer! We are afraid of giving one for fear of retribution. That wouldn't be an issue if we could have a discussion without unfair criticism or undue sensitivity.
Mozilla fired its Firefox CEO for simply sending a personal check to a cause he believed in. It was a majority belief at the time (which I only mention to make the point that it was not a ridiculous cause) and it had nothing to do with his job performance. The company felt pressured to fire the CEO because of the complaints of an organization that had opposing beliefs. The important message here has nothing to do with what the CEO believed in. If you agree or disagree with him is not the issue. The issue is this type of action will, in effect, deny our free speech. Dissent will be viewed as a dangerous activity because someone will be offended and will want to punish you for your opinion. (I'm pretty sure that's the tactics of the Taliban.)
What has this to do with being a dad? A LOT! You shouldn't have a home where your children are afraid to speak up respectfully. To do so restricts their growth and often contributes to their frustration and anger. It’s also relevant to have two parents with different opinions and approaches, no matter how small, for kids to be able to see various approaches to any problem, stance, or situation.
What’s worse? “Being unfairly judgmental” or “losing your right to have an opinion”. We don’t want either, but if I had to express my opinion about the lesser evil, I’d say being unfairly judgmental IS the lesser evil. However, I absolutely respect your right to have a dissenting opinion!
