I woke up today to two texts from friends whom I originally met because they were Purity Culture Dropout™ clients. (I love y'all!) The texts were ecstatic declarations that James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, has passed away. ​

If you're one of the people feeling a range of emotions from ecstatic celebration that he's gone to grief for a childhood that would have been different if his ideologies hadn't been adopted by your parents, I see you.

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If James Dobson and Focus on the Family weren't part of your own story, here's a quick summary of why folks are happy he's gone:

• Through Focus on the Family and later the Family Research Council, Dobson had major influence on the Religious Right and Christian nationalist politics.
• Dobson and Focus on the Family have long opposed same-sex marriage, adoption by same-sex couples, and any LGBTQ+ rights. He promoted conversion therapy.
• Dobson’s teachings heavily emphasize purity culture and strict gender roles.
• He advocated for the physical, emotional, and spiritual abuse of children.
• Dobson believed in breaking a child's will through physical violence, beginning in infancy.
• Social media is full of stories from people whose parents used his techniques. They tell stories of the abuse they endured, and going no-contact with their parents because of it.

These are a tiny snippet of the things that James Dobson is responsible for.

From TIME Magazine: The Root of James Dobson’s Political Power Is Decades of Parenting Advice​

I've been spending time with my 2.5 year old nephew. He's a free, independent, strong, and beautiful spirit. He does regular toddler things, like push boundaries as he's trying to figure out the world. I literally cannot imagine wanting to "break" a child's will.

My entire feed today is full of people telling their personal stories about the harm that Dobson's teaching caused in their families and lives. I won't put them in this newsletter in case that's too much for you- but you can find these testimonials pretty much anywhere by searching his name on any social media platform.

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Personally, I've been on the verge of tears or in actual tears all day reading these stories. Knowing the pain this man has caused, and the families he destroyed with his "focus."

However you feel about his passing, I am sending you so much love. There is no wrong way to feel when your abuser is gone.

May all the strong willed children finally be free.

With love,

Erica

ps check out The Strong Willed Project​

​I Hate James Dobson Podcast​

​Focus On Your Own Family podcast with Stephanie Warren ​

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