I think in reality
a lot of it has to do with how well the kids turn out. If the kids turn out alright then there's less hate.

But I think there's another thing...

Generally I think people assume that it's easier for a mother to keep children than the father in an unmarried/divorce situation (based on all this Fathers4Justice stigma). So if you have a single mother, people will assume that she split from the father and "took the kids from him". Whereas if you have a single father, people assume that he actually fought to get the kids from a mother who didn't treat them/him well.

Please don't hit me! This is wild speculation, but I think because single fathers are a fair bit rarer than single mothers, it's easier to see them in a heroic light. Even if it really is not the case.

Unfortunately, my first line of prejudice is usually based on appearance and voice...it's bad I know...
( Extinct Jesus Dossier "...I think it counteracts Hitler's magic...", Mon 28 Dec 2009, 1:17, Reply)