Cards for Mom and Dad
I spotted a link to the Canadian Press article, “Dad is a lout on many Father’s Day cards, but that might be changing” on Instapundit this morning. It touched a nerve because I can’t count the time I’ve wasted staring at racks of inappropriate Father’s Day cards for my dad or husband. Neither of them drink beer, sprawl in front of televised games, play golf, or hand out cash to their kids upon request like animate ATMs. Mushy cards always feel too contrived, but is a backhanded compliment better?
Hopefully, the article is correct and there will be a better variety of non-insulting cards available for Father’s Day next month. My Mother’s Day cards were great, but as the author points out, finding cards for moms that are full of effusive praise is easy. I’m glad that Kid Dreadful didn’t get too hung up over finding a perfect card; he’s been bragging that he got me the best card ever, and I don’t disagree, even though it was a card designed for a mom with a job outside of the house (some text about putting up with “jerks” all day, then coming home). What made it the best card was his very funny, personal inscription and his pride in choosing something for me.
That’s what really matters in the end — the personal intent and affection that accompanies the card and/or gift. It seems odd to undermine that emotion by depicting Dad as someone more absorbed with his golf game than his family, eager to belch beery cheers at his favorite team, or only around to provide spending money to his herd.
