I'm Not My Father
Who am I? This question might sound simple, but how often do we truly ask it? For the longest time, I thought I knew—I was a son, a brother, a friend, a boyfriend, and a man. I had a set of labels to describe myself — labels that felt familiar and unquestionable. But as I grew older, I realized that none of these identities were truly my own. They were roles assigned to me by society, and I had unknowingly accepted them without question. But here’s the thing, these labels are not neutral. They often come with baggage — expectations, responsibilities, and, most dangerously, a sense of power or entitlement over others. I was born into this society and it told me that I’m a man and what it meant to be a man. I learned that men are supposed to lead, be strong, and make decisions for others. I saw it in my household, where my father embodied the role of the head of the family. His word was final. He believes his duty is to decide “what's right and what’s wrong” for our ...