Deadpool 2’s Terry Crews Accused of Misogyny After Comments on the Importance of Fatherhood

Deadpool 2 and Brooklyn Nine-Nine actor Terry Crews was accused of misogyny after he commented on the importance of fatherhood.

It all started when Crews took to Twitter and shared an opinion piece in the New York Times written by lawyer Derecka Purnell. In the piece, Purnell criticizes comments made by former President Obama made during a town hall at the beginning of February alongside basketball star Stephen Curry.

Purnell specifically takes issue with the following comments made by former President Barack Obama:

“If you are really confident about your financial situation, you are probably not going to be wearing an eight-pound chain around your neck. Because you know, ‘Oh, I got a bank account.’ I don’t have to show you how much I got. I feel good.”

She would explain these comments disappointed her “because they’re part of problematic practices, like calling out black children for having ghetto names like mine or wearing Air Jordans. Such remarks by Mr. Obama reflect his administration’s failure, and to an extent that of My Brother’s Keeper, to tackle the systemic inequality that shapes black people’s lives in America.”

Crews would respond to the article writing, “If a successful black man can’t advise the black male youth of the next generation, who will? THE STREET. That’s who.”

Crews would follow that up with questioning how a woman would know how a boy should be taught to grow in a successful man.

He would add, “You can speak with us— just not FOR US. There is a big difference.”

And that’s when the accusations of misogyny and “toxic masculinity” began flying.

Crews would respond flatly stating, “No misogyny involved. Just reminding you that fathers are just as necessary as mothers. Especially for young men. And even if he doesn’t have a father around— they need to see an example of what a good man is.”

However, he would still be criticized for his comments.

Crews would respond stating, “I’m calling on black men who are awol to actually be the fathers those fatherless boys need.” He added, “Men need to hold other men accountable.”

He would still be accused of misogyny.

Crews would once again defend himself and elaborate on his previous comments saying, “There are things a person can only get from their mother. But there are also things a person can only get from their father.” He would continue, “I would never render either unnecessary. And if you are missing one— you need a good representation of either/or in your life at some point.”

This isn’t the first time Crews has been outspoken about the importance of
a father-figure in young boys lives. He’s been doing it for years. In an interview with The View, Crews speaks candidly about fatherhood and its importance as well as the impact a father figure has on children growing up.

And Crews isn’t the only one making these points. According to a paper done by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “Fathers and Their Impact on Children’s Well-Being, the importance of a father figure is paramount to the growth of young children.

“Even from birth, children who have an involved father are more likely to be emotionally secure, be confident to explore their surroundings, and, as they grow older, have better social connections.”

A report from Harvard echoed this sentiment noting:

“For young girls in particular, their fathers can make a huge impact on their self-esteem and how they grow into women. There are also interviews and autobiographies of Hillary Clinton, Madeline Albright, and many prominent women scientists that emphasize fathers’ influence on girls.”

What do you make of Terry Crews’ stance on the importance of fatherhood? Do you think his statements are misogynistic?

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