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I was trying to think of a way to say just that without being all "rah rah rah, Latino men are superior" or something. I'm (very) mixed and multicultural, but the culture I grew up most immersed in was a Mexican American one, and I have 9 (yes 9) latino brothers. now I'm married into a Puerto Rican family. It's not uncommon to see 13 year old boys dancing with babies at a wedding, or feeding them at home... they aren't burdened with this idea that babies spoil freedom, or ruin your life. They are easily accepted into daily life, whatever that daily life may be.
We have had so many acquaintances take issue with the fact that we don't really ever think to have babysitters... our first one was 8 years into parenting. And we've done it maybe 10 times total since then. People object and assert that we NEED it, but neither me or my husband have that mentality because of our cultural upbringing. People think we are rude when we decline an invitation to a coworker's home for a meal or game night that is intended to be sans kids, while we see an invitation that is intended to be sans kids sort of... odd... I guess. Like, if we're going to get a babysitter we'd go to a grown up movie, a fancy restaurant, or to a good old fashioned jazz club- places you can't take kids.
I know we can't judge an individual by cultural norms, and I wouldn't dare anyhow, but I do think that cultural norms are relevant at the very least. And IMO this happening would be even more mind boggling to someone raised in a culture where kids aren't a burden... and that's what I'm personally seeing in him, questioning Christine and just wanting answers. He doesn't understand.
MOO, I hope it isn't read as offensive or propagating stereotypes. I understand that generalities aren't conclusive to the individual.
BBM. I tend to agree. I'm European desent, and if I had to compare the two cultures it would be night and day (in general). In our home the dad didn't care for the child. Hell, my dad never even picked me up, let alone feed me, or hug me. DH's home as well. It was just the "norm". We were both raised by our SAH mothers, while dad worked and/or travelled. Growing up, I was often jealous when watching tv shows that portrayed the big latino family together cooking, huddled around their huge meals, singing and dancing. I can't remember the show I watched as a young kid - dang it. Maybe it'll come to me later.
I don't want to stereotype, because I know that many non-latino families do the same thing. But not in the neighborhood or family I grew up with. According to our sperm donars, children were to be seen and not heard. I learned that REAL fast.
To think that Tyler had so many people around him that loved him, and the incubator took him out, is truly disgusting!
Bless you Tyler - I just know if SAD's boyfriend could have saved him, he would have.
MOO
Mel