On July 9, 1981 this guy hit the scene like a massive ape on steroids (which hit scenes quite hard I’m told).
Like so many giant apes in his time he had a horrible habit of kidnapping women.
Not something I’m really in to, but understandable for an oversized ape. Unfortunately for the large primate this guy wasn’t as sympathetic as I am.
After some effort he threw DK into a cage for his crimes (who even knew kidnapping women was a crime back in ’81).
This is where we find out something new about our furry friend. He’s not just a giant woman abducting ape, he’s also… a dad.
Not just any dad either. The kind of dad a son would risk his neck tie to break out of the slam. The kind of dad that would help you with your math homework after a long days work.
The kind of dad who becomes a villain to raise a hero (It’s okay to cry at that line… if you need to).
So what are the fathering lessons we can take away from Donkey Kong and Donkey Kong Jr.’s relationship?
Lesson #1: Teach your child everything you know.
Do you think DK Jr. learned to climb vines from the mother in Oregon Trail?
Heck no! Educators are wonderful people but there are no substitutes for the lessons learned from dad himself. Teach those kids like you’re the only one who ever will. DK Jr. could learn a thing or two about “picking up chicks” from his old man.
Lesson #2: Raise your kids to supersede you.
DK was an antagonist. He stole ladies from carpenters, plumbers, italians… you name it. He’s just a bad dude. However, to quote Zangief , featured in Wreck-it Ralph, “Just because I’m a bad guy, doesnt mean I’m a bad guy.” (Read that in a heavy Russian accent to do it justice) DK raised the hero he could never be. DK Jr. was the first of an ongoing family trend of protagonists. Since those days no Kong has been the villain and even Mario has put the past ( and Pauline) behind them and offered his friendship and partnership.
And Lesson #3: Learn from your kids.
DK wasn’t perfect in this regard, but for the most part he learned that kidnapping damsels wasn’t working and in not too long he retired from all forms of antagonizing. He may never have learned this lesson if DK Jr. hadn’t of shown him a different way to live. Don’t be afraid to learn something from those little munchkins. I mean really, When did you ever see DK Sr. with a haul of bananas like this?
Just before I go check out this amazing Father’s Day gift my wife and kids had made for me. Check out the artist’s amazing other work here.
Thanks for reading and Happy Father’s Day. May your children hoard even more bananas then you do… whatever that means. Don’t forget to check out and “like” my shiny new Facebook page.