Motherhood: A Male Perspective
“Motherhood: All love begins and ends there.”- Robert
Browning
What do I know about motherhood? Jamaica like most of the islands in the Caribbean is a matrifocal and matrilineal society. Women are visible and their voices make a difference. Motherhood is celebrated as much as the barren woman is talked about and ridiculed. Women have been the backbone of the society. Our women folk continue to play multiple functions, from the historical roles of caregiver and nurturer to that of a scientist. Can you imagine a world, indeed a Jamaica without the significant role women play? Life would not be the same. Words such as dull and boredom comes readily to mind. What words come to your mind? Would there be life at all? What if suddenly all women took the stance of pro-choice instead of pro-life? What if abortion became legalized and was made available upon request? What if motherhood was no longer celebrated? Imagine a world without Mother’s Day! I suspect for each mother, mothering and motherhood is different. A quick search on the internet for definitions of motherhood arrives at a consensus that motherhood is the state of being a mother; in other words a female parent. Motherhood is synonymous with vocabulary such as, tenderness, selfless, caring, protector, disciplinarian, provider, counsellor, mentor and friend. On this Mother’s Day it is more than a honour to celebrate mothers and motherhood. One does not have to be a millionaire to show appreciation to one’s mother. We are reminded that appreciation can be shown in various ways. Maybe you are miles away from your own mother. With advances in technology there is no excuse for not taking the time to call your mother or that female who played that role. I salute my own mother Vinette Campbell, affectionately called Aunt Delores by the extended family. She has been and continues to be a tower of strength not only to her own family, but to all those persons with whom she interacts. My mother is strong-willed and opinionated. She received the best schooling one could ever ask for. Life! Motherhood comes in various forms; some mothers are single parent while other mothers are in a nuclear or extended family setting. Motherhood should not only be celebrated but should also be respected. “Woman, behold your son” were the words spoken by Jesus to his own mother while on the cross. These words are so powerful. According to the Greek lexicon “woman” is used as a term of respect and endearment. Do we need a better example than Jesus? It makes no sense giving your mother a lavish funeral. Now is the time to spend and develop memories with your mother while she is among the living. Motherhood is a state of being in the present tense. Each person has a unique way of showing gratitude. Perhaps your mother is a grandaunt, a grandmother, an aunt, a cousin or your adopted mother. Make your mother feel special this Mother’s Day.
“A mother’s love is more beautiful than any fresh flower.” - Debasish Mridha
What do I know about motherhood? Jamaica like most of the islands in the Caribbean is a matrifocal and matrilineal society. Women are visible and their voices make a difference. Motherhood is celebrated as much as the barren woman is talked about and ridiculed. Women have been the backbone of the society. Our women folk continue to play multiple functions, from the historical roles of caregiver and nurturer to that of a scientist. Can you imagine a world, indeed a Jamaica without the significant role women play? Life would not be the same. Words such as dull and boredom comes readily to mind. What words come to your mind? Would there be life at all? What if suddenly all women took the stance of pro-choice instead of pro-life? What if abortion became legalized and was made available upon request? What if motherhood was no longer celebrated? Imagine a world without Mother’s Day! I suspect for each mother, mothering and motherhood is different. A quick search on the internet for definitions of motherhood arrives at a consensus that motherhood is the state of being a mother; in other words a female parent. Motherhood is synonymous with vocabulary such as, tenderness, selfless, caring, protector, disciplinarian, provider, counsellor, mentor and friend. On this Mother’s Day it is more than a honour to celebrate mothers and motherhood. One does not have to be a millionaire to show appreciation to one’s mother. We are reminded that appreciation can be shown in various ways. Maybe you are miles away from your own mother. With advances in technology there is no excuse for not taking the time to call your mother or that female who played that role. I salute my own mother Vinette Campbell, affectionately called Aunt Delores by the extended family. She has been and continues to be a tower of strength not only to her own family, but to all those persons with whom she interacts. My mother is strong-willed and opinionated. She received the best schooling one could ever ask for. Life! Motherhood comes in various forms; some mothers are single parent while other mothers are in a nuclear or extended family setting. Motherhood should not only be celebrated but should also be respected. “Woman, behold your son” were the words spoken by Jesus to his own mother while on the cross. These words are so powerful. According to the Greek lexicon “woman” is used as a term of respect and endearment. Do we need a better example than Jesus? It makes no sense giving your mother a lavish funeral. Now is the time to spend and develop memories with your mother while she is among the living. Motherhood is a state of being in the present tense. Each person has a unique way of showing gratitude. Perhaps your mother is a grandaunt, a grandmother, an aunt, a cousin or your adopted mother. Make your mother feel special this Mother’s Day.
“A mother’s love is more beautiful than any fresh flower.” - Debasish Mridha
©
Wayne Campbell is
an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as
they affect culture and/or gender issues.
@WayneCamo
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ReplyDeleteI salute Joan Thompson as well. I appreciate this one. What room did you leave for a father's role ? You basically included it in the mother's role here
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