Today, I want to speak directly to you—the children of fathers. Maybe you’re a teenager, or maybe you’re in your twenties, still figuring out life, still piecing together the meaning of fatherhood. Let’s take a moment to think about what it truly means to be a father—not just a provider of DNA but someone who shapes, protects, and nurtures.  

I had an absentee father. He wasn’t there to support my mother or guide me. That absence shaped me in ways I didn’t fully understand until much later. I began to reverse-engineer him—to think about what he failed to do and what I could do differently. It’s made me reflect deeply on fatherhood, and I want to share some thoughts with you today.  

A Salute to Real Fathers 

Let’s take a moment to honor the real fathers. Not sperm donors, but fathers. Men who were there for their children, who stayed, who sacrificed, who showed up when it mattered most. These are the men who deserve our gratitude today.  

Fatherhood isn’t about perfection. It’s not about always having the answers. It’s about love, effort, and showing up—even when it’s hard, even when the world feels like it’s against you.  

The Stories of Absence 

But we also need to talk about the fathers who weren’t there. Not to shame them, but to understand. Sometimes, absence has a story.  

– There are fathers who fled their countries in the middle of the night, hoping to prepare a better life for their families, only to find it wasn’t as easy as they thought.  

– There are young fathers—teenagers—who weren’t ready, who lacked the resources, the knowledge, or the support to step up.  

– There are fathers forced out by systemic barriers—government policies that made them feel like their families would be better off without them because they couldn’t provide.  

– There are men caught in the charisma of leaders, entertainers, or movements that pulled them away from their responsibilities.  

And yes, there are men who simply made poor choices, who let fear, shame, or immaturity dictate their actions. They left, and their absence left scars.  

But here’s something to think about—you exist because of them. Maybe that’s the only thing they gave you, but it’s not insignificant. You’re here, alive, with the chance to write your own story, to break cycles, to make better choices.  

Fathering Takes Many Forms  

Sometimes, fathering doesn’t come from a biological parent. Fathering can come from a community. It might have been your mother who played both roles. It might have been a coach, a teacher, a mentor, a neighbor, or even a church or community organization that gave you the love, security, and guidance you needed.  

Fathers come in many forms, and their stories are just as diverse. To truly understand fatherhood, we need to hear all these stories—the good, the bad, and the complicated. Only then can we prepare future generations to make better choices, to understand the weight of fatherhood, and to embrace it with open hearts.  

A Challenge to Reflect 

So, I challenge you to think about your own father. Maybe he was there, and maybe he wasn’t. Maybe you’re grateful, or maybe you’re angry. Whatever your feelings, use them. Let them guide you in understanding what kind of person you want to be.  

And if you ever become a father yourself, remember that fatherhood isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up, even when it’s hard. It’s about making the choice to love, to care, and to try, every single day.  

Final Thoughts 

To all the fathers who stayed, who sacrificed, who loved unconditionally—thank you. To the fathers who left, for whatever reason—your absence has shaped lives, too, and those stories matter. And to the children of fathers, I hope this message sparks reflection, conversation, and ultimately, growth.  

Fatherhood is complex, but it’s also one of the most powerful forces in the world. Let’s honor it, question it, and strive to understand it—so that future generations can do it better.  

Happy Father’s Day

By Robert Lloyd

As I step into this conversation with young women artists, I aim to challenge and inspire critical thought while remaining respectful and open-minded. Our discussions can illuminate the complexities of feminism, art, and spirituality today. Thoughtful questions and a willingness to share experiences, create an environment where all voices can be heard and valued.

Navigating the ever-evolving landscape of art, feminism, and spirituality, one compelling discussion is the intersection of these themes in the lives of young women artists. As we engage I reflect on my unique perspective as an 80-year-old Black man. My goal is to bring thought-provoking insights, encourage critical reflection, and spark meaningful dialogue without veering into offensive territory.

Understanding “Woo-Woo”

The term “woo-woo” often evokes reflections on beliefs and practices that may seem abstract or disconnected from scientific reasoning. In creative circles, some embrace this term as a badge of honor, associating it with personal empowerment and spiritual exploration. However, it can also critique superficial spirituality. As we embark on this conversation, it’s essential to consider how artists interpret “woo-woo.”

– Do they view it as an essential facet of their creativity and identity?

– Is there a generational divide in understanding its significance?

– In what ways might their relationship with “woo-woo” reflect their artistic ethos?

Given my life experiences, I challenge perceptions by pushing to explore how “woo-woo” fits into the larger societal fabric—especially concerning intersectional feminism and the struggles of marginalized communities.

Themes for Exploration

1.  Generational Differences in Feminism: 

   How do today’s artists define feminism compared to past movements? Is there continuity with the legacies of Black feminists like Audre Lorde or bell hooks, or do these histories feel distant to them? I ask for reflection on the intersectionality of their work, ensuring it encompasses diverse voices, including those of older Black men and women.

2.  Art as a Political Tool: 

   Let’s delve into the role of art in challenging power structures. Is the motivation radical, or is it self-serving? Sharing experiences of art as activism during the Civil Rights Movement, how do they perceive their work’s political impact?

3.  Can We Critique “Woo-Woo” Culture?

   If artists embrace “woo-woo,” can we examine its implications? Does it risk becoming disconnected from pressing real-world issues like racism and poverty? Is “woo-woo” a privilege afforded to those not entangled in survival struggles? Can it reflect broader societal disparities?

4.  Race, Gender, and Privilege: 

   It’s crucial to discuss how race intersects with feminism and artistic practices. Are artists aware of how their perspectives might be shaped by whiteness? Black artists have integrated spirituality into their activism, reinforcing the connection between art and the fight for justice.

5.  Engaging the Audience: 

   Who is the intended audience for their art? Does it resonate with marginalized communities, or does it cater primarily to privileged and academic spaces? Let’s reflect on whether “woo-woo” artistic expressions can genuinely instigate change, or if they merely serve to bolster personal identities.

Provocative Yet Respectful Engagement

Navigating this conversation thoughtfully,  can we incorporate the following strategies?

–  Humor and Wit:  Using light-hearted humor can defuse tension. For instance, one might quip, “Woo-woo? Back in my day, we just called it nonsense! So, how have you all turned that into something meaningful?”

–  Personal Narratives:  Do you have any stories from your life, like the civil rights activism of my youth, that can illustrate your points clearly? I might ask, “When I was your age, we were marching in the streets. How does ‘woo-woo’ contribute to social change today?”

–  Acknowledging Humanity:  Even in critique, can we express admiration for the artists’ dedication, affirming, “We may not agree with everything, but we genuinely respect your passion for your art and beliefs.”

Here’s to a thought-provoking discussion—let’s encourage each other to think critically, respect one another’s beliefs, and navigate the intricacies of art and feminism together!

Resources for Further Exploration

  For those interested in deepening this conversation, consider engaging with works that explore feminism, intersectionality, and the role of art as a catalyst for change. Notable books include: Sister Outsider by Audre Lord and Ain’t I a Woman by bell hooks.  Additionally, examining the Black Arts Movement and critical perspectives on “woo-woo” culture may help illuminate some of these discussions.

Gallery For Community & Culture

The psychological traits of true believers in mass movements can be observed in the followers of contemporary political figures like Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, Barack Obama, and Bernie Sanders.

See the article for details: CLICK HERE

Eric Hoffer’s “The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements” (1951) is a seminal work that examines the psychology of individuals who become deeply committed to mass movements, whether political, religious, or social. Hoffer’s analysis focuses on the motivations and characteristics of these “true believers” and the conditions that make mass movements thrive.

Key Psychological Traits of the True Believer

1. Discontent with the Present Self: True believers often feel a deep dissatisfaction with their personal lives. They see themselves as ineffectual, powerless, or insignificant and seek to escape this reality by merging their identity with a larger cause or movement [1]. Hoffer argues that this dissatisfaction drives people to seek meaning and purpose in something external, often leading them to embrace ideologies that promise radical change.

2. Desire for Certainty and Simplicity: True believers are drawn to movements that offer clear, black-and-white answers to complex problems. They crave certainty and are often intolerant of ambiguity or nuance.

3. Willingness to Sacrifice Individuality: Hoffer notes that true believers are willing to subordinate their individuality to the collective identity of the movement. This allows them to feel part of something greater than themselves, which can be empowering but also leads to fanaticism.

4. Frustration and Resentment:!Many true believers harbor feelings of frustration and resentment, often directed at society, elites, or other groups they perceive as responsible for their struggles. This resentment fuels their commitment to the movement and their willingness to fight for its goals.

5. Faith in a Glorious Future: True believers are often motivated by a vision of a utopian future promised by the movement. This vision gives them hope and a sense of purpose, even if it requires sacrificing the present [2].

6. Susceptibility to Leadership: Hoffer emphasizes that true believers are often drawn to charismatic leaders who embody the ideals of the movement and provide a sense of direction and unity.

Comparison to Modern “True Believers”

The psychological traits Hoffer identified remain relevant today and can be observed in the followers of contemporary political figures like Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, Barack Obama, and Bernie Sanders. While the specific ideologies and movements differ, the underlying motivations and behaviors of their most ardent supporters often align with Hoffer’s analysis.

1. Donald Trump: Many of Trump’s most devoted supporters exhibit traits of true believers, such as a strong desire for certainty, resentment toward perceived elites, and faith in Trump’s promises to “Make America Great Again.” His charismatic leadership and ability to channel frustration into a cohesive movement resonate with Hoffer’s description of mass movement dynamics.
2. Kamala Harris and Barack Obama: Supporters of Harris and Obama often emphasize their hope for a more inclusive and equitable future. While their movements may not exhibit the same level of fanaticism as others, the faith in their leadership and vision for change reflects some of the psychological traits Hoffer described, particularly the desire for a better future and identification with a collective cause [2].
3. Bernie Sanders: Sanders’ supporters often align with Hoffer’s analysis of frustration and resentment, particularly toward economic inequality and corporate power. His movement’s focus on systemic change and a vision of a more just society appeals to those seeking meaning and purpose through collective action.

Key Differences in Modern Contexts

While the psychological makeup of true believers remains consistent, modern mass movements are shaped by new factors:

• Social Media: Platforms like Twitter and Facebook amplify the reach of mass movements, allowing true believers to connect and organize more easily. This can intensify the sense of belonging and reinforce ideological echo chambers.

• Polarization: Modern politics is highly polarized, which can deepen the divide between opposing groups of true believers and increase the intensity of their commitment.

• Polarization: Modern politics is highly polarized, which can deepen the divide between opposing groups of true believers and increase the intensity of their commitment.

• Diverse Ideologies: Unlike the mid-20th century, today’s mass movements span a broader range of ideologies, from progressive to conservative, reflecting the complexity of modern societies.

Conclusion

Eric Hoffer’s insights into the psychology of the true believer remain strikingly relevant in understanding the dynamics of modern mass movements. Whether supporting Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, Barack Obama, or Bernie Sanders, true believers today share many of the same psychological traits Hoffer identified: dissatisfaction with the present, faith in a better future, and a willingness to subordinate individuality to a collective cause. However, the tools and contexts of modern movements—such as social media and political polarization—have added new dimensions to the phenomenon.

More of Robert Lloyd’s Images

Choices Now: Tyranny or Revolution

join fighting fear

Ann Marie Danimus engages with a man about abortion prior to U>S> Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s speedh at a Kootenai County GOP dinner in downtown Coeur d’Alene. 2022

The marchers are asking a fundamental question: How do we preserve democracy when so many of our neighbors seem willing to trade it for the promise of security?

It appears that there is a great deal of fear dividing our country in two. Why these fears, what needs to be done, and how can we do it? What do our readers think? What does our community think? What do others think?  

This is a three part series.  The first part describes the fears and what needs to be done to address them. The second part addresses why Black people should resist the loss of democracy, the third part deals with what needs to be done. Later articles can follow the progress of the Spokane fight for democracy.

The articles discuss various evidence-based approaches to enhance democratic resilience and social cohesion at government, institutional, and individual levels. They highlight the importance of economic interventions, leadership strategies, educational reforms, media responsibility, and personal engagement. The text outlines measures for specific demographic concerns while emphasizing the need for systemic changes and the importance of measuring success. Key factors for success include authenticity, inclusivity, patience, consistency, local focus, and bipartisan support.

Feedback from social media posts and interactions can be used to invite them to remove the fear, save democracy and participate in building a better community they want to live in.

Why Are People So Afraid That They Choose Tyranny Over Democracy

Robert “Bob” Lloyd info@4comculture.com 4comculture.com

Fighting Fear Articles

1. Why Are People So Afraid That They Choose Tyranny Over Democracy

2. Why Blacks Will Resist the Loss of Democracy

3. What Needs To Be Done to Relieve Fear?

This page provides examples of how you can be empowered. Feel free to look around 4comculture.com. Please also do research outside of the site.

Join Fighting Fear

What do you see and how do you feel?

Historical Context and Deep-Rooted Resistance

African Americans whose families have been in America since the 1400s and experienced slavery until the 1860s carry a unique and profound understanding of what happens when democratic institutions fail and authoritarian power goes unchecked. This lived experience across generations creates distinct motivations for resisting authoritarianism that differ significantly from more recent immigrant communities.

Generational Memory of Systemic Oppression

For African American communities with deep ancestral roots in America, the fight against Project 2025 and strongman leadership is informed by centuries of experiencing what happens when one group holds unchecked power. Their ancestors lived through:

• Slavery as a legal institution supported by government structures
• Jim Crow laws that used legal frameworks to enforce racial hierarchy
• Systematic exclusion from democratic participation despite constitutional promises
• State-sanctioned violence when they challenged existing power structures

This historical memory creates an acute awareness that democratic institutions, when weakened, can quickly become tools of oppression rather than protection.

Recent Immigrant Communities

The resistance motivations differ significantly from those of recent immigrants because:

For Long-Standing African American Communities:

• They cannot “go back” – America is their only home, making the stakes existential
• They’ve seen this playbook before – recognizing patterns of authoritarian consolidation
• They understand that “rocking the boat” is necessary – their ancestors’ progress came through resistance, not compliance
• They know that initial promises of stability often precede greater oppression

For Recent Immigrant Communities:

• May prioritize economic stability and fear jeopardizing newfound opportunities
• Might have different reference points for what constitutes dangerous authoritarianism
• Could be more willing to “wait and see” rather than immediately resist
• May fear that activism could threaten their status in ways that don’t apply to established communities

Understanding Project 2025’s Specific Threats

Project 2025 represents a particular threat to Black communities because it “includes a long list of extreme policy recommendations touching on nearly every aspect of American life, from immigration and abortion rights, to free speech and racial justice” [1]. The plan “would severely harm Black communities across the country” through its “radical proposals to restructure the federal government and increase the president’s authority” [2].

For communities with generational experience of oppression, these proposals echo historical patterns where concentrated executive power was used to maintain racial hierarchies and suppress civil rights progress.

The Stakes of Democratic Backsliding

African American communities with deep American roots understand that when presidents position themselves “as kings or strongman leaders,” the communities that suffer first and most severely are those who have historically been marginalized. Their resistance isn’t just political preference—it’s survival instinct informed by historical experience.

This creates a unique perspective where challenging authority isn’t “rocking the boat”—it’s preventing the boat from capsizing entirely. Their ancestors learned that waiting for gradual change or hoping that authoritarian leaders will self-limit often leads to deeper oppression, not eventual liberation.

The fight against authoritarianism, for these communities, represents a continuation of a centuries-long struggle for true democratic participation and protection under law.

What needs to be done?

What can be done to relieve these fears and concerns – by government, by leadership, by institutions, by individuals? What Needs To Be Done To Relieve Fear

4.

Fighting Fear Articles

1. Why Are People So Afraid That They Choose Tyranny Over Democracy

2. Why Blacks Will Resist the Loss of Democracy

3. What Needs To Be Done to Relieve Fear?

4. Join Fighting Fear and Volunteer

This page provides examples of how you can be empowered. Feel free to look around 4comculture.com. Please also do research outside of the site.

People stay ready, there’s a movement to start,
Bring your courage, your fire, your heart.
You don’t need permission, just take your stand,
The power’s in the people, hand in hand.

The chains might rattle, but they won’t hold tight,
When love and resistance shine through the night.
Truth’s our engine, hope the tracks we ride,
We’ll break through the darkness, side by side.

People stay ready, there’s a storm ahead,
You don’t need no ticket, just rise instead.
Justice is calling, hear the freedom bell,
We’re fighting for tomorrow, where all can dwell.

There’s no room for hatred, no place for fear,
The time is now, the path is clear.
Together we’re mighty, together we’re strong,
We’ll write the future, where we belong.

So rise up boldly, let the world take note,
Freedom’s the anthem, every voice a vote.
People stay ready, the time has come,
We’re building the future, for everyone.

People stay ready, there’s a movement to start,
Bring your courage, your fire, your heart.
You don’t need permission, just take your stand,
The power’s in the people, hand in hand.

To build coalitions and bridges beyond our own special interests:

1. Identify Common Goals: Successful coalitions often start with a clear understanding of the common goals and the necessity of collaboration. The process involves identifying the problems or goals that bring organizations together, understanding the community’s needs, and assembling a diverse group of stakeholders who can contribute to achieving the coalition’s objectives [7].
2. Engage Diverse Stakeholders: Include those most affected by the issue and leverage their unique perspectives and resources. This diversity can lead to more comprehensive and effective solutions.
3. Focus on Shared Interests: Cross-racial coalitions, for example, have been successful in addressing issues like voting rights and economic opportunities by focusing on shared interests or common threats [8].
4. Utilize Frameworks: Employ frameworks like the Health Impact Pyramid to assess local assets and challenges, coordinate activities, and monitor interventions effectively [9].
5. Promote Open Communication: Foster a culture of open dialogue and shared responsibility among coalition members to ensure all voices are heard and valued.