The Normalised Arrogance of our Fathers By Eleanor Jackson Helen Garner’s “Postcards from Surfers” expertly displays the banal cruelty and self-perceived superiority of many fathers towards their wives and children. Let’s start with a disclaimer. I am not suggesting that all fathers are arrogant, cruel or see themselves as possessing complete authority over their families, only that it is a common occurrence in literature due to the societal context in which it is produced. Now for a small history lesson, and a bit of feminist theory to start your day! The accepted structure of a family, in almost every culture around the world, including in Australia, is one that is led by a man, the father. This is essential to the patriarchy (which is estimated to have existed since 8000-3000 BC), because, to control society, you must control the family unit as it is the basis on which modern society is constructed. In doing so, mothers, daughters and to a lesser extent sons, are...