A boy child is born into the world as a man. Right from an early age, the father raises him as a man. His trainings are tougher compared to his sisters.
He learns to shoulder responsibilities. He is assigned to f!ght for, defend and protect his sisters. The heavy lifting is for him. He is taught not to cry when met with challenges but to figure it out.Some of them leave home as early as 14 to hustle inorder to support their fathers and take care of mama and their sisters.
From such an early age, they are f0rced to become adults and that's how they will toil all their lives until old age. You can never hear such a man call himself an independent man.
When I think of independence, I think of a country f!ghting for their freedom, revolution, political associations etc. Not a bunch of vvomen paying for groceries with their money.
They tag themselves "independent" as though they're doing what others have never done. The first time I heard the term, I couldn't wrap my head around it, it's too bogus for the context it's been used in.
A man understands that paying bills is what you do as a responsible adult, nothing more. It's either you're responsible or irresponsible.
But for vvomen, the terms are different: a man who is unable to take care of his çhīldrēñ is a d€@dbeat who deserves to be forgotten when his çhīldrēñ are grown and successful.
While a vvoman in the same category, is a strong vvoman who $truggled and sacrificed everything. She deserves the world.
For most men, they'll never be appreciated or rewarded in their lifetime. They will $truggle until they dī€ and will be rewarded with befitting burials.
Take care of yourselves, Umu Nwoke.
