I think the idea that a father solves everything that Monchel mocks here is based on the whole every family for itself paradigm. Under this view, a good coach, a uncle that always looked out for you, or even a friendly principal can't undo the 'damage' that not having a daddy 'causes' because the family is seen as a unit unto itself- separate from the community and society. But the thing that people who say this forget is that sometimes folks are better off alone. If he's putting his hands on you or getting drunk and not holding a job- later for him. I think it's more damaging to hold on to a bad man just to have one, than to say bye bye. I think kids need many different adults in their lives. Mama, and even Daddy, can't do it alone. That's too much pressure for anyone. Our whole communities need to be raising children, even us childfree people need to be raising them.