My Son, The Breadwinner

    In the class reading the breadwinner system was basically about the man being the main provider for his family. This is where the word breadwinner comes from the explanation that the person is the one who provides bread, which is an important part of the daily meals of family. Being a breadwinner doesn’t extend to the providing for the house itself. Being a breadwinner also directly connects with the idea of having the control and power in the family.

     Earlier this month, I went to a comedy show hosted by Chris Tucker. He is an African-American stand up comedian, who grew up in the black community his entire life. Chris made fun of a lot of topics. Mainly, how his dad used to treat him and his brothers. He jokingly mentioned that his dad used to be the person who provides for the family. However, after Chris became famous after Rush Hour movies almost every one in his family quit their job. This extends the meaning of being a breadwinner to different levels. Before the meaning of being a breadwinner was exclusive to the husband and wife.

   However, when the children of the family become adults, there is a chance of them becoming the breadwinner of the family, this was the case for Chris Tucker. However, during his hilarious stand up comedy he mentions his dad personality when his dad was the breadwinner. Stating that his dad used to spank him and his brothers with a belt every time they did something wrong, this emphasizes on the power of being a breadwinner. The connection of being a breadwinner and power seem directly proportional.

     In general the unemployed men who are married to an employed wife the wife are less likely to to do anything at home. This can be explained that if the wife is the person who provides for the family, she is the person of power in this relationship since she’s the one with the fat wallet. So, men feel intimidated by that. They feel that their masculinity is threatened, so, they don’t do any housework even though they have nothing else to do!

In this video Chris makes fun of his uncle and how his uncle goes to him every time he needed money.