Baby momma culture isn’t a new phenomenon. In modern times for some potential parents, a child is nothing more than a tool or status symbol. Bearing a child once carried a significant impact on a woman’s life. The baby’s small heartbeats are now covered by confusion instead of love. The euphemism of baby momma represents a circumstance that has been exaggerated by contemporary ideals.
While women are the face of baby momma culture, men are just as culpable for the condition many single mothers find themselves in. The separation of the black family in America goes back centuries. Though there have been periods of strong black family values, generally, the black family experience has been unstable. Fathers contribute to the current climate of baby momma culture in various ways. Whether as fathers who don’t educate their daughters or as sexual partners impregnating multiple women. Men who do not contribute to the caring and guidance of their children reinforce the lack of concern for future generations. Men have to accept responsibility as well.
As society has become more liberal, so has the condition of the black family. A majority of black families live at or below the poverty level in America. Such conditions foster a subconscious desire to build wealth or familial bonds. The invention of the world wide web has captured the attention of generations across the globe. Consequently, having weak family structures, many black Americans grow up with a lack of faith or trust in structures that support family traditions.
Marriage is an idea that is on the verge of extinction. Preferring to chase careers, and personal goals children are becoming a distant afterthought. Though children aren’t the primary ambition of young women today, they conceive with total disregard for the family structures that support healthy development. The modern woman’s mantra is that marriage is oppressive and beneficial to men only. On the contrary, modern men would strongly disagree.
Women are actively seeking sexual partners to conceive babies with concern or encouragement from the father. These women strongly believe that single motherhood is a better deal than marriage to the child’s father. The commitment makes no sense in their eyes.
Ideally, in today’s dating market, both men and women would love to participate in reckless sexual activities without the biological consequence of pregnancy. Far too often the child is an afterthought, their physical appearance takes precedence over the child’s need for structure.
Culturally, the black experience has reached a boiling point. As the avalanche of emotions continues rolling downhill, it becomes more difficult to change directions. Growing debates around the topic play out over the internet, in cafes, and throughout homes across America. From friendly disagreements to hostile arguments, both men and women have entrenched themselves in the ideology.
One has to question the stability of future generations and the relations they seek. How can the black experience evolve beyond the aesthetics of material gains? Money is certainly important, however, is it more of a priority than the character of the person?
Each individual has the ability to choose any lifestyle they deem desirable. Whenever there is the possibility of a child entering the equation, the formula is slightly altered. Furthermore, the circumstance of a single parent household is a struggle not worthy of praise. Single parenthood is a condition that needs support and guidance which ensures the child receives a healthy dose of development.
Baby momma culture is a reflection of the black experience lacking many important factors to sustain itself. Strong family values, self-respect, and accountability for future generations are just a few to name.
Women, should you find yourself pregnant and disconnected from the father, I’d encourage you to seek a village that presents healthy support. Mothers please raise your children without bashing the father or promoting the circumstance as the better option.
Men should you find yourself as a potential father, I’d encourage you to seek a village that presents healthy support. Fathers, please raise your children without degrading the mother or ignoring your importance to the development of the child.
Baby momma culture has reached toxic levels in the black community. Maybe celibacy, arranged marriages, or greater sexual health awareness is the solution to this epidemic. One can conclude that reckless sexual behavior leads to repercussions for both the individual and the community once a child is introduced. Whatever the answer to this question is, I am certain that the continued separation of the black family is not the way.
For the black experience to grow beyond carnal pleasures, future generations will need stronger considerations. The depth in which cultural norms exist and evolve is worth the exploration.
Every child may not be born to a family of two loving parents. The world will always have an exception to the rule. The rule generally dictates the consensus, not following the small perceptions of reckless individuals. Prioritizing the foundation for future generations should go beyond the child’s hair texture and eye color.
Being a single parent is no small task, let’s begin to apply the appropriate amount of care.
The black family is in desperate need of some tender love and care!
