KARACHI:
When a father figure plays a prominent role in a narrative, you know you’re signing up for a bucket of tears. No matter what kind of role it is, good or bad, the emotional journey is inevitable. Remember this trope as far back as possible and you’ll know that the statement has weight.
We are all aware of how natural a role model is for your child. It is a story as old as time: fierce kings defend and warm the thrones on which their heirs are expected to sit. From Simba to Alex, a cub wouldn’t become the unbreakable king he pretends to be without his father’s guidance. But how does the dynamic change when it comes to a father’s bond with his daughter?
Goodwill personified
The Ned Stark who defines the standard of game of Thrones I can tell you a thing or two about exemplary fatherhood. Although tradition makes him rigid, Ned does not let the customs of the world rule his kind heart. Despite admitting that “the war was easier than the daughters”, his tolerance towards his daughters knows no limits.
Ned’s expertise lies in striking a balance between tradition and indulgence. He soon determines that Prince Joffrey will not be a good husband for Sansa and instead promises her a more dignified marriage, despite her protests. He also doesn’t ignore Arya’s passion for sword fighting and allows her to defend herself. It is in these moments that we discover that Ned’s wisdom is not reserved just for his children; He pays attention to the roles that all of his children wish to possess and guides them on how to become theirs.
Just as Ned is a warrior turned kind father, Ant ManScott Lang’s thief protagonist also has a daughter whom he cherishes more than anything in the world. Although his methods are questionable, his affection for Cassie is undeniable. These two maintain a mutually beneficial relationship, where Scott strengthens Cassie and she keeps him true to himself.
It is his love for her that lessens any insecurity that arises when the child is being raised by another father figure after the divorce. Scott keeps the dynamic healthy and Cassie grows up surrounded by a town of love. It’s a win-win situation!
a human shield
The protective instincts of a true child-father are not mitigated even if his daughter is a more improved human being than him. A heartbreaking example is Jim Hopper and his unexpected affection for Eleven in stranger things. From fighting interdimensional monsters together to traversing difficult emotional boundaries, this duo reminds us that a father and daughter don’t need to be linked by blood to truly care for each other.
Considering Eleven starts out without even understanding the concept of family, let alone having one, her budding bond with Hopper is one for the books. When he’s around, she knows she doesn’t have to be completely on guard. Even when her powers leave her, Hopper doesn’t and that’s what makes their devotion to each other so special.
But what happens when the adopted daughter has no special abilities? When it comes to Pete Wagner’s Instant familyThe answer to raising a girl is pretty simple: he protects her even when she hates him, even when she considers him less than her family. It’s hard to raise a teenager, and even harder to commit to a teenager who didn’t know you until you decided to take her in, much to the dismay of her learned reluctance.
But Pete reminds us that the trick is to never give up, no matter what. From going to jail to teaching her foolproof ways to let go of her anger, Pete understands that his oldest daughter is a raw warrior looking for the right mentor.
An uncompromising mentor
Echoing the sentiment is Vander de Arcanewho adopted not one but two girls. The daughter Vander influences the most grows into a literal fighter, unyielding even when she knows he’s not there to protect her. Vander can say something as simple as “That’s my girl” and we’d be crying our eyes out. Because raising a strong daughter is not about protecting her, but about showing her how to forge her own sword.
However, tough love has a flip side. It may come from a well-intentioned place within the softness of a parent’s heart, but it also has its rough edges. Mahavir Singh Phogat dangal is guilty of this, and so is our beloved Wolverine. Often, when you’ve built a rock-hard exterior, it’s easy to project it onto your closest family members.
But at the end of the day, the Phogat sisters and X-23 are their parents’ daughters. Hostility runs through Laura’s veins as surely as strength runs through Geeta and Babita’s. So it surprises no one when they embrace the natural fighter within them.
an imperfect man
These fictional parents don’t sugarcoat how cruel the world can be. Their methods veer heavily towards the aggressive side, but who can blame them? This is better than sending your defenseless daughters to war. This is largely what Silco de Arcane believe. Their goal is not to repair Jinx’s broken mind; rather, it fuels the villain she is destined to become.
Guilty as charged, we enjoy watching the consequences of generational violence unfold. Plus, who doesn’t love watching a girl become the monster her father trained her to be? The sentiment is reflected in the complex bond between Thanos and Gamora: a cycle of trauma that Gamora fights hard to escape and becomes Thanos’ ultimate sacrifice. Never before have we seen the MCU’s biggest threat cry over someone dear to him, just as he betrays her.
But a father doesn’t have to be a formidable supervillain to be an imperfect man. Train to BusanSeok-woo sincerely wants to repair the bond with his teenage daughter. Unfortunately, the only circumstance that forces them together is a zombie apocalypse. Despite their estrangement and Seok-woo’s priority lifestyle, he does not hesitate to give up everything to ensure the safety of his little girl. It’s like Silco reflects: “Is there anything as perverse as a daughter?”
At the center of this
Despite the incongruity that divides their methods, all these fathers have one thing in common: the unsurpassed love they feel for their daughters. Pete never gives up on Lizzy, Thanos’ sincerity is exposed whenever he’s around Gamora, even Silco calls Jinx “perfect” as the light fades from her eyes.
Because at the end of the day, a father – animated or real – does not want to be the strongest man in the world. He’s just taking care of the girl who makes him break down like no one else could.
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