AC Experiment: How Do You React to Fathers in Public?

As a law-abiding, heterosexual white male, I am used to having my opinion count and people taking me seriously. But one area where I definitely find myself looked at askance, questioned and viewed as a threat to the public good is with my role as the main child-care provider in our family.

Now, the great majority of the time my interaction with society as a father has been positive. But, at the same time, there have been occasions where people have been unbelievably rude towards me, both in their words and their actions. I cannot pretend that being on the receiving end of that does not sting.

I have no problems when people stare when I am out with my two children. Even in 2007, it is still unusual to see a male in this role. It is simply the curiosity factor and that makes sense to me. After all, if I saw a handicapped dwarf going down the block asking people to support gay marriage, I would be staring, too.

It is just that I wonder what motivates people to say and do things at certain times. Sometimes it is ignorance and sometimes it is people who really are trying to do everything in their power to keep children safe. That's a noble goal. But where is the line between being an aggressive child advocate and being a close-minded fool?

So, I would like to conduct an experiment and receive your feedback on your initial reactions to the following situations listed below. There are no right or wrong answers. And I am certainly not looking for anyone to give me a politically correct response. All I want is your honest assessment of how you would act, or how you have acted, in these scenarios.

Furthermore, I am curious to see if there are any breakdowns along certain demographic factors. So, when you respond, if you could include your race, gender and relative age, that would be ideal. I encourage everyone to log out and not include their real names, as that might influence your answer. Simply sign in as "White Male 22" or "Latin Female 30-something" and share your thoughts.