Mom’s Comics Perfectly Illustrate the Double Standard of How Society Treats Mothers and Fathers
Source:https://www.upworthy.com/
Last November, Upworthy highlighted Chloe Sexton, a mother who went viral on TikTok for discussing “daddy privilege,” which refers to the praise fathers receive for basic parenting tasks that mothers are expected to perform without acknowledgment. Sexton pointed out that fathers are often celebrated for simply participating in parenting, while mothers face criticism for not meeting high standards.
Mary Catherine Starr, a mother from Cape Cod, created an Instagram cartoon series titled “An Illustrated Guide to the Double Standards of Parenting” that illustrates this concept. In her comics, she shows how fathers are labeled “fun dads” for bringing home fast food, while mothers are viewed as “lazy” for the same action. The series effectively highlights the double standards in parenting expectations based on gender.
Mary Catherine Starr clarified that her comics about “daddy privilege” target societal attitudes rather than fathers themselves. She emphasized that society praises dads for basic parenting tasks while expecting perfection from mothers, often shaming them for their choices. This message resonated with many women, including an Instagram user who shared her experience as a single mother. She noted how neighbors offered support to a single dad next door, highlighting the disparity in societal expectations and assistance based on gender.
Rebecca Lee-Close expressed her frustration that being “just a mom” often feels undervalued, contrasting it with the praise her husband receives for basic parenting tasks. A father supporting Starr’s message echoed this sentiment, finding the double standards in compliments irritating. While Starr’s comics and Sexton’s TikTok videos highlight these issues, they emphasize the need for change. To address the problem, society should raise expectations for fathers and shift the praise typically reserved for dads doing the bare minimum to recognize and celebrate the hard work of mothers.
Image Source:https://www.upworthy.com/
