Genweglobal

I guarantee you don’t know what a father is. The lies you’ve been told!

By: Alex Stevenson

Date: 8/21/25 5:30 am

It’s been too long since we last chatted, so let’s cut to the chase. I have to unpack what Denzel Washington was really saying with his memorable lines in “Fences.” Take this gem he dropped on Corey: “Get you a skill; you’re chasing a dream playing sports.” Harsh, right? But Troy was demanding a wake-up call—time to face the brutal reality of life out there.

Riddle:

I can be cracked, made, told, and played.
I bring smiles or groans; I’m often conveyed.
What am I?

Answer: A joke.

Troy emerged from an era where possessing a skill was essential. Lacking one, he found himself working as a garbage man, a fate he refused to accept for his son. This foresight reflects the importance of teaching valuable lessons. A father’s responsibility is to equip his son with the wisdom needed for adulthood. When Corey challenged him, asking, “What did you ever do for me? What did you ever give me?” Troy firmly responded, “I gave you feet, I gave you bones, and I gave you that pumping heart.”

Troy’s basically saying, “I made you, so trust me, I know exactly what you need!” Classic dad move, right? He’s telling his son, “Here’s the deal, buddy: nobody’s gonna look out for you like I do, especially when you polish off my last slice of pizza!” People often confuse tough love from dads with being mean, but come on, it’s just their way of saying life can be pretty tough. When Corey asks why his dad seems to have a bit of a grudge against him, Troy hits back with, “I don’t gotta like you!” like he’s trying out for the part of the world’s most straightforward dad!

“Life doesn’t always turn out the way you want it to, but it’s how you deal with it that defines who you are.”

Troy goes on to say, “Listen, buddy, I owe you a responsibility ’cause I’m your father—no pressure! This isn’t about whether I like you or not.” He then adds, “Mr. Red doesn’t hand me my cash because we’re best buds; he’s just paying off a debt. And guess what? I’ve already given you everything I’ve got! I even handed over your life—talk about a parenting deal!” Troy is trying to clue Corey in that being a man means doing what’s expected, and fretting over who thinks you’re cool is like trying to win a popularity contest with a rock—total waste of time!

For Troy, being a man isn’t about whining or begging for favors; it’s about stepping up and fulfilling your responsibilities. When Corey foolishly asks him to buy a TV, Troy snaps back, “You see that roof? It’s in desperate need of repair. Once winter hits, that $200 is going to be crucial for that and whatever else breaks down in this dump of a house.”

“Don’t you ever let nobody’s opinion of you become your reality. You gotta stand tall, take responsibility, and make your own way in this world.”

He was trying to get the point across to Corey that being a dad means you’ve gotta be ready for anything, and throwing away cash can really mess with your family’s future. Don’t waste your time on a down payment; owing people isn’t a smart move down the road. A lot of folks see Troy, played by Denzel, as the bad guy, but I don’t really think that’s fair; he’s got a pretty solid perspective. Anyone who grew up with a dad can totally vibe with Troy; he reminds me of those old Southern guys chilling by the grill, playing cards, and spinning all kinds of tales. Imagine having a chat with Troy; what would you ask him? Hopefully, some deep stuff! Anyway, have an awesome day and remember, you matter more than you realize!

Thank You for Sticking Around!

Hey there, fabulous reader!

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for diving into my ramblings. You deserve a medal for navigating through my thoughts like a ship in a stormy sea—shoutout to your incredible patience! Seriously, if this were a video game, you’d totally level up by now.

Whether you laughed, groaned, or just rolled your eyes at my dad jokes, I hope you found something to enjoy. Remember, life’s too short to take too seriously—unless you’re a dad, in which case, it’s your job!

Keep smiling, stay awesome, and maybe even share some of your own jokes with me. Until next time, don’t forget: laughter is the best workout for your abs (and your spirit)!

Thanks a bunch!
— Alex Stevenson