Surviving The Struggle: Divided Families in America

By Fulton Titus

Surviving the Struggle: Divided Families in America is a powerful and thought-provoking writing that explores the unique challenges faced by families in America, particularly those that are divided. The author provides compelling stories of families who have overcome tremendous obstacles, including absent or neglectful fathers, cultural biases, and systemic injustices, to raise strong and resilient children.

 

Throughout the publication, the author addresses critical issues such as the role of fathers, the impact of trauma on families, and the importance of healthy co-parenting relationships. The impact of worrisome attitudes towards fathers and the need for greater support and resources for mothers are also explored.

 

This book is not only a call to action for greater recognition and support of fathers and mothers, but also a reminder that all parents, regardless of their circumstances, have the power to shape the future generation. Surviving the Struggle is a must-read for anyone interested in knowing the complexities of modern family life and to experience the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fulton Titus
• Release date: May 24, 2023
• ISBN: 9781961113077

Book preview

PREFACE

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his book, titled Surviving the Struggle: Divided Families in America delves into the complex and often misunderstood world of black families in America. This manuscript aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the unique struggles that black families face and offers insights into how we can build a more equitable society that supports the well-being of all families.

The inspiration for this story comes from the author's personal experiences as a full-time dad of two children and fighting to stay in the life of his oldest daughter, who is being raised by her mother. Through his journey, he realized the need for a deeper understanding of the systemic factors that contribute to the struggles of black families.

This book is not just based on research and theories; it is grounded in the reality of the author's personal experiences and those of other black families. The challenges faced by black families in America are wide-ranging, including poverty, discrimination, and systemic injustice. These challenges can lead to a breakdown in family structures, a lack of support and resources, and poor outcomes for children's emotional and psychological well-being.

Throughout the publication, the author addresses critical issues such as the role of fathers, the impact of trauma on families, and the importance of healthy co-parenting relationships. The impact of worrisome attitudes towards fathers and the need for greater support and resources for black mothers are also explored.

The hope is that this literary work will spark conversations about the challenges faced by black families in America and the need for a cultural shift in attitudes towards family structures. It is time for us to recognize the importance of family and to work together to create a more just and equitable society that supports the well-being of all families.

Join the author on this journey as we explore the challenges, triumphs, and complexities faced by families in America. While this book focuses on the experiences of black families, the insights and lessons discussed can apply to families of different races, cultures, political affiliations, and religions. By recognizing the common struggles and systemic factors that affect families, we can work towards creating a more just and equitable society that supports the well-being of all families. Let us come together to maneuver the challenges and promote the importance of family in our society.

INTRODUCTION

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atherhood is an important aspect of family life that contributes significantly to the emotional and psychological well-being of children. Fathers play a critical role in shaping their children's beliefs and values, and in providing a positive role model for their children to follow. However, for black fathers, the journey towards executing their role as a father can be fraught with challenges and obstacles.

One of the most significant obstacles faced by black fathers is the negative perception of them in society. This perception is often perpetuated by stereotypes and cultural tendencies that portray black fathers as absent or neglectful. However, research shows that this sorrowful image is not only sustained by external forces but can also be influenced by a mother's treatment of the father.

Mothers hold a lot of power in shaping their children's beliefs and values, particularly in single-parent households where the father is absent or not fully present. In such situations, the mother is the primary caregiver and has a significant influence on the child's perception of the father. This influence can either be beneficial or detrimental.

Unfortunately, some mothers may unknowingly sabotage the image of the father in their children's eyes. Distressing attitudes towards the father figure can lead to hurtful outcomes for the child's emotional well-being and development. Research shows that when a mother holds damaging attitudes towards the father, it can lead to the child developing pessimistic attitudes towards his father as well.

The impact of unfavorable attitudes towards the father can be detrimental to the child's emotional well-being, as they may feel a sense of loss and abandonment. Children need positive relationships with both parents to develop healthy emotional bonds and build resilience. Thus, it is essential for mothers to be mindful of their words and actions towards the father, as they can have a significant impact on the child's perception of the father.

On the other hand, mothers who promote positive attitudes towards the father can help to strengthen the child's emotional bonds and contribute to their overall well-being. By encouraging positive co-parenting relationships and fostering open communication, mothers can help mitigate the damaging effects of an absent or neglectful father and provide their children with a strong foundation for healthy relationships in the future.

It is important to recognize that fathers have an essential role to play in their children's lives, and mothers should encourage their involvement and support their efforts to be positive role models and advocates for their children. When both parents work together, they can create a more supportive and stable environment for their children to thrive in.

For black fathers, the journey towards meeting their role as a father can be challenging, but it is a journey worth taking. Black fathers have historically faced unique challenges and obstacles in raising their children, including undesirable labels, cultural partiality, and systemic injustices. However, it is crucial to recognize the importance of their role as caregivers and influencers and to support them in their journey.

From the legacy of slavery to modern-day policies and laws, the US government has played a significant role in perpetuating poverty, discrimination, and injustice within the black community. This publication probes into the historical and contemporary examples of how the US government has contributed to the breakdown of black families, resulting in increased rates of single-parent households, poverty, and incarceration. The author provides a critical analysis of the root causes of these challenges, including racism, classism, and institutional bias.

Moreover, the book explores the role of anger and revenge in the lives of black individuals and families. Due to the pervasive injustices they face, black individuals may experience feelings of anger and resentment towards the system, their neighborhood, and even their own families. The author examines the psychological effects of these emotions, highlighting the impact they can have on the well-being of black families.

Furthermore, the writing addresses the role of the society in breaking the cycle of anger and revenge. It calls for a shift in attitudes towards forgiveness, healing, and reconciliation within the black fellowship, emphasizing the importance of building strong support networks and healthy co-parenting relationships.

The author of this book does not only provide insights from research and ideas but shares his personal story as a single father of two kids and fighting hard to stay present in the life of his oldest daughter who is being raised by her mother. He understands the challenges faced by black fathers and the struggle to stay in the life of their children, especially when the child is being raised by the mother. His personal story will shock you and bring to light the harsh reality of the obstacles that many fathers face.

This publication is a call to action for society to prioritize the needs of children and to recognize the important role that both parents play in their upbringing. It is a reminder that the well-being of children should always come first, and that healthy co-parenting relationships and communication are essential for their emotional and psychological health.

Through this manuscript, readers will be inspired to join the conversation and take action to support all families. It is not just a book for black fathers or mothers, but a writing for everyone who cares about the future of their children and society. Let us work together to create a brighter future for all children, regardless of their family structure or background.

CHAPTER ONE

Help Wanted: Fathers

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atherhood is an important and sacred role, but it's often undervalued and ignored in society today. This is especially true for black fathers, who face a number of unique obstacles that make it difficult for them to fulfill their responsibility. These challenges include harmful labeling, government programs that compromise fathers, unfair judgments, and a lack of recognition as caregivers. As a black father, the weight of societal expectations can feel like a heavy burden to bear. We are often expected to be strong, stoic figures, providing for our families and protecting them from harm. Yet, the reality is that we face our own set of exceptional trials and struggles, both as fathers and as black men in America. It can be hard to juggle our responsibilities as caregivers and providers while still meeting society's expectations of what we should look like.

As a devoted father of three, with sole custody of my two youngest children for close to 5 years now, one of whom has special needs, the topic of Black fatherhood holds a significant place in my heart. Through my personal experiences, I have come to realize the unusual hardships that Black fathers face, including the pervasive harmful preconceptions and prejudices embedded in society that make it difficult to be viewed as a positive role model or even a capable caregiver. It is frustrating to receive phone calls from doctors' offices and schools that assume I am not the primary caregiver for my children, simply because I am a Black father. This is just one example of the kind of discrimination and bias that Black fathers experience in our society.

Despite these challenges, I am committed to being an involved and responsible father, and I know that there are many other Black fathers who feel