“Baby Mamas Declare War”: Gent Starts Social Media Frenzy With Father’s Remarks, SA Outraged
- A local man shared a controversial picture with a caption asserting that no one can force him to be a present father, claiming it’s his choice
- The post, which was shared on TikTok, went viral, attracting massive views and sparking outrage across social media
- Social media users were deeply offended by the post, with many women lambasting the man, while others suggested he was merely trolling for a reaction
Source: TikTok
A controversial social media post asserting a man’s right to choose whether or not to be a present father ignited a fierce debate online about deadbeat fathers and being irresponsible.
The highly sensitive clip, shared by TikTok user @ohkthabby, sparked an immediate backlash from both men and women in South Africa, while others felt it was all a joke.
The viral post shared by TikTok user @ohkthabby featured a picture of him standing confidently. The post was captioned with a proclamation that no one could force him to be a present father, ending the sentence with the phrase, 'It's my body,' implying he would do exactly as he pleased. Which could be seen as controversial. This comment addressed the widespread frustration often voiced by South African women about absent fathers and deadbeat partners.
Source: TikTok
The reality of absent fathers
A report by eNCA revealed a challenging statistic regarding family structure and paternal presence in the country. The report indicates that 40% of children in South Africa do not live with their biological fathers. The situation, which has contributed to many broken families, is closely linked to economic instability, which is a key factor in determining a father's presence in a child's life. This connection between financial challenges and paternal absence suggests a deep-seated societal issue impacting the well-being of many South African children.
SA reacts to the man's proclamation
The post went viral, garnering massive views, likes, and comments from social media users who were mostly stunned and strongly displeased by the statement. Many women were heavily triggered by the content, criticising and lambasting the man for promoting irresponsible and painful behaviour. They highlighted how difficult and traumatic it is for children to grow up without a father figure.
The post, however, also drew out a defensive group of men who defended the man. Some argued that most fathers do not abandon their children but, rather, run away from bad baby mamas. Other viewers were entertained, suggesting that the massive reaction proved the man had successfully executed a successful trolling attempt and achieved the chaos he wanted.
User @Lizzy commented:
"That's true, dear. I won't or will never force anyone to be there for our child and life to move on. God can't give you things u can't handle 🙏."
User @🤍JIMARO🤍said:
"Single mothers being offended 😂."
User @ischen^xalati shared:
"These are the comments that I expected 🤭🤣."
User @ladyG added:
"Your body, your choice😅."
User @sandys929 advised:
"Men, unlock your closed gates by being available to your children and being supportive of them. Your career and business will flourish and prosper ✨️👏."
User @msgee commented:
"😂😭 You can't joke in peace nowadays, neh?"
User @Thabile🌸asked:
"There is no way, you're joking right🤣?"
Watch the TikTok videos below:
3 Briefly News articles about absent fathers
- A mom shared a clip of her young daughter crying for her father, who ignored her calls and did not respond to her voice-recordings.
- A young lady shared texts between herself and her absent father, who invited himself and his sister to her graduation, only for her to tell him not to bother coming.
- A South African babe vented about her deadbeat father, tearfully sharing how his absence affected her life and relationships.
Source: Briefly News
