I feel like a whole generation of kids are missing out on positive male role models.
Step up, and pass on the good vibes and knowledge
I’m more of the “this is an example of what not to do/be” kind of role model
Why?
- I have basically no self-esteem or self-respect
- I see very few if any redeeming qualities in myself
- I don’t like who I am or what my life is
But in addition to that, I find myself unwilling or unable to make changes that might improve anything I listed above. I wouldn’t recommend being or living like me to anyone, therefore I would be a very poor role model.
It turns out that one of the symptoms of depression is not having the tools to deal with your symptoms of depression.
That’s why I’m grateful that my mom stuck me in therapy when I was 9 after the divorce, and again after the ADHD diagnosis.
My wife has almost the same upbringing and mental issues, but never saw a therapist until college, so she has almost no healthy coping tools.
Self awareness is definitely a redeeming quality, and it’s clear you have that. Something to build on, if you want.
Knowing you have a problem is step 1 to solving it
Dude, I think that’s called depression? 💀✨
I bet there’s something you’re good at, or even just okay at, that you might be good at teaching to someone who isn’t good at it.
I have periods when I go into a slump and I feel like how you described. I’m definitely not a role model, my life is falling to bits, and I’m a failure at life, as a certain family member likes to keep reminding me. But the fact that my nephew comes to me when he’s got a problem shows I do have something to offer. I bet there’s something you can offer someone, even if you might not have the mental energy right now.
I think I have both to offer.
My father didn’t bother in my life til I was 25. My stepda , the first one, was an abusive piece of shit. A neighbour guy took it on himself to be a father figure for me,and damn he did good. Second person I came out too. His reaction? Tears, a hug, and dinner. Damn I miss him.
And to fill the void they turn to the manosphere. It’s heartbreaking.
For all we know that male role model could also point him to the manosphere.
Good point
dynamite fishing?
No, with knives. He’s going to throw the boy in there and tell him to catch a fish with the knife in his mouth, then stab it. He’s only allowed to come out of the water with a stabbed fish, just like his own father used to do. Then they’ll take turns stabbing the fish with their matching knives. It’s a true bonding experience…unless the boy doesn’t catch a fish. Then it’s time to teach him about the belt, just like his own father used to do.
oh…
ok.
the hick traditional way
one of my great uncles legit did that to put food on the table lol
!hopeposting@lemmy.world would enjoy this as well.
This stuff is why I want to get back into the scouts as an adult. The wife and I both have genetic issues, so kids aren’t in the future unless we stumble upon a teenager that needs someone to actually give a fuck about them.
I have a ton of outdoorsman knowledge and skills and no one to pass it down to, which makes me sad. But I’m hesitant to join an organization for kids without any of my own because of the BSAs past controversy.
BSA is not the only scouting org, and there are other ways to be a positive role model (such as volunteering for Big Brothers Big Sisters).
It’s the only one around me, unfortunately. Well, there is the Boys and Girls club, but they’ve had similar issues with predators.
I’m sure I’m worrying too much. I briefly joined up with a troop in my 20s before college got in the way and the leadership was happy to have a younger adult involved.
Wait… which past controversy were you talking about?
The whole pedophile thing. They pulled the same shit as the Catholic church and tried to cover it up.
That’s awesome… It looks just like the park I used to take my exes kid to to fish in new Mexico
Fishing is a good acid test of how far down the value of animal lives are in almost everyone’s minds. Here we have an activity that’s almost universally seen as something wholesome, when really it’s just a form of super casual, lowkey animal abuse.
Plenty of other nice things to spend time doing on the water, like swimming or kayaking.
What, you don’t like the thrilling pastime of… *checks notes* waiting, but with occasional cruelty?
Exactly.
But also, kayaking is awesome. Like even from a purely recreational perspective, why do so many choose to fish when they could be kayaking?
Why choose? I often fish from a kayak, even hunt ducks and geese on the water in one.
Because all of those animals just want to live their lives, and there is no good reason to take that away.
I do have to wonder what one gets out of fishing that one can’t get out of birdwatching.
But fishes don’t look like us, so it’s okay.
That’s what matters right?
/s
