Tulevaisuus tehdään yhdessä

20 Tiistaina 27. lokakuuta 2020 Future as a father in Uusikaupunki As a father, foreigner, and a former Anthropology and Linguistics major at Brown University, I cannot write about the future of fatherhoodwithout discus- singmy observations about the present state of fatherhood in Finland This discussion is of great importance to me because there are significant dif- ferences betweenwhat I see here in Fin- land and what I have experienced as a young African American male growing up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. If I could sum it up in one sentence, I would say that the current state of fatherhood in Finland is an example of how the fu- ture of fatherhood back home should look. The present state of fatherhood in Finland I have been living in Finland now for a little over eight years and have come to notice that most Finnish fathers are ac- tively participating in their children’s lives. It seems easy to arrange to have free time for the family if needed. Finan- cial assistance is available if money is tight and for themost part, Finnish dads seem to have a general interest in their children and a strong connection and relationship with them. I see sacrifice, patience, happiness, and a love that says I am here and will do anything for my child. Perhaps the social system assists with this form of present fatherhood, while the system in the U.S. does not offer the same. Formost inner-cityminority children, fathers are not around. They are either incarcerated, working long and hard hours to make a good amount of mo- ney to survive, or altogether non-exis- tent and absent. For those who have fathers that are forced to work long and hard hours, they show their love by wor- king so that the family can survive. By being away at work, the willingness to sacrifice and do anything for the family is expressedby absence, anabsence that unfortunately leaves great emptiness. Quite often young mothers have is- sues identifying who the father of their child is, leaving a damaged heart in constant search for dad. Although my mother knew who my dad was, I had not lived with either of them after the age of two and had not seen him after four years of age. I could not remember what he looked like or anything about him. No one had pictures and no one knewwhere to find him. Everyman that I sawcould potentially bemy father, and I would always ask myself, “is that my dad?” I have observed in Finland a gene- ral culture of family and responsibility which is lacking in the lower class Afri- can American community. What I see here in Finland is what I hope to see in my community back at home because the role of a father is the same no mat- ter your culture, race, location, past pre- sent, or future. A father’s heart should be to love, lead, guide, inspire, protect, and cor- rect, recognize the greatness in your child and help them get positioned for success. Environment and financial resources do play a significant role in achieving these results. The future of fatherhood in Finland: Community Fathering What I see as the future of fatherhood in Finland is a picture of community and commonality. A future where fathers realize that they are always being wat- ched and looked to as an example and role model for life, both at home and in the community. The general Finnish life in rural areas, farmland, and small towns is very individual and focused on one’s own family. But as soon an awareness of the com- munal impact of fathering even when not at home comes, there is a possibi- lity to step into the fullness of the role of a father. Fatherhood is not limited to biology, everyone needs a father, espe- cially those who do not have an active relationship with their own. I see Community fatherhood that is inclusive of mentorship, guidance into the future, discipline, inspiration, con- necting youth to their purpose, helping them find the right path, and inspiring them to follow it. Mentorship Future dads will be mentors and role models, helping to guide youth towards positive ways of thinking and seeing so that they can experience a fulfilling life. The newdadwill acknowledge that their attention, concern, protection, inspira- tion, encouragement, smile, mentor- ship, and sometimes even correction is needed. Identifying potential and awakening passion The future Finnish father will be step- ping into a new role. A great realization that every child is a future leader of the world will be made clear. This realiza- tionwill help fathers to encourage youth to identify their passion and find out their purpose in life. These actions will make a positive impact on societywhich will create an atmosphere where good habits, constructive ideologies, and practical actions are the norm. Focus and determination will arise amongst the youth. Protection from harm Letting them know what mistakes you have made in the past, so they do not have to make the same ones. Encouragement and motivation Giving theman example of how to keep going evenwhen life seems tough. Sho- wing them that they do not have to turn to substance abuse to survive and es- cape their problems. Helping them face their giants and slay them. Giving them hope and something to look forward to, letting them know that the world is big and there are opportunities beyond the borders and limitations set before them. Fearless love and correction Being willing and unafraid to say if so- meone is going down the wrong path, calling it out, correcting it with encou- ragement, love, and acceptance. This is the fatherhood that I did not have. It is what I strive for in my home and also in this local community. It is what I see will help this generation be successful and empowered with tools to live and thrive and keep this country and this world moving forward. TARA LEHTONEN Granger T. Simmons KOLUMNI