Parenthood is topic that deals with many angles and perspectives. The epidemic of single-parent households has been trivial for decades. Recently, the issue of single-parenting made headline news when Wisconsin Senator Glenn Grothman stated to CNN News, “unwanted or mistimed” pregnancies are the “choice of the women.” A Facebook poll that I recently posted showcased Senator Grothman may not be the only one that is pointing the finger at women on the epidemic of absentee fathers. The Facebook survey posed the question to 27 people, “Are woman responsible for absentee fathers?” 13 out of 27 people voted “yes”, 10 voted “no” and 2 voted “sometimes”. In distribution of my recent multi-media video, “The Case of the Missing Father”, opinions were across the spectrum. A young man who wanted to remain anonymous stated, “Women know when a man can be a father. Women are quicker to have a baby than get married.” There seems to be a form of hidden secretary in response to the video. Individuals were opinionated, yet were only responding via Facebook inbox.

Anonymous response after viewing the video "The Case of the Missing Father". Photo provided by Samantha Maben

The multi-media video “The Case of the Missing Father” highlighted the emotional affects of absentee fathers on women. The topic of absentee fathers are being explored on multiple levels. The upcoming short film “Father’s Day” by Dear Diary Productions chronicles a young woman’s emotional journey of dealing with having an absentee father.

Video courtesy of Dear Diary Productions/YouTube

The issue of Absentee Father was further discussed during a Facebook poll question prior to the video, “The Case of the Missing Father“. The Facebook poll question “What are the top reasons for the high statistics of absentee fathers?” showed an apparent divide between men and women on the reasons why fathers become disengaged from their children.

Although men and women differ in opinion regarding the factors of absentee fathers creative dialogue is being created after viewing “The Case of the Missing Fathers”. Whether anonymous or public people are recognizing that absentee fathers are an issue. This open door of discussion can led to in-depth roundtable forums with both men and women; that can led to a creative approach to decrease the statistics of absentee fathers.