Dear Hollywood,
For some time now, I have been meaning to write to you with regard to a recurrent theme in your family films. So many of your movies feature a Dad, who turns out to be the hero. There is the 'too busy with his career Dad,' who learns his lesson and becomes a model father. There is the 'super hero Dad,' who rescues his family from disaster. Also beginning to feature is the 'grow to love them like his own Step-Dad,' who is usually insanely good looking! I'd like to point out that in my experience, there isn't a handsome, responsible, financially viable, kind, loving man waiting in the wings begging for the role of Step Dad. Finally, there is the 'errant, divorced Father' who turns his life around and wins the Mother back. Ain't gonna happen sunshine.
Now, I am all for a strong, male, role model in the lives of my children but this may not turn out to be their father. Such is the case for many children. Some children have lost their Dad, for various reasons, with very little chance of ever getting him back. (Although, we never give up hope of this happening.) How do you think these children, who do not have a 'hero Dad,' feel when they are watching your Hollywood schmaltz? I've seen their feelings when our eyes have met after watching 'the big reunion scene' that is inevitable at the end of your family feature films. I can tell you what I see; broken hearts because they have a Dad that bears little if any resemblance to the ones they see on the big screen. How their aching souls must long for a Dad that would put their needs before his own and take the steps necessary to rebuild his life and repair the damage that he has caused.
So, I would like to suggest that you feature Mothers as the heroes of your blockbusters with as much regularity as you focus on Fathers. More often than not, it is mothers who are left to pick up the pieces and rescue their families. They aren't rock stars or divas but ordinary women who will do what has to be done to keep their families not only afloat, but in a position where they are able to thrive. These Mothers aren't asking for a medal or a prize, because they do what they do for love, but it sure would be nice to see kids sit down to watch a movie and be able to say, "Wow, I've got a Mom just like that!" Instead of, "I sure wish I had a Dad like that." Think about it Hollywood.
Yours faithfully,
A Single Mother of four, who's just doing the best she can
