The piece draws a comparison between the ancient Greek tragedy Medea and contemporary cases of paternal violence, particularly emphasizing how men resort to harming their children as a means of punishing their ex-wives. It posits that while society condemns such actions as monstrous, there is a particularly harsh judgement against women who may act similarly, being labeled as aberrations. The narrative explores the implications of masculinity and machismo, arguing that they provide a twisted justification for men to inflict pain on their children as a form of retribution against their mothers.

The article further references a case in Brazil where David Lemos was sentenced for the heinous act of murdering his four children aged 3, 6, 8, and 11, as an expression of his anger regarding divorce. It highlights the disturbing pattern of men viewing children as pawns in their familial disputes, where misogyny fuels a sense of ownership and control. This underscores a societal issue where the rights and well-being of children are subordinated to the egos of their parents, particularly when men feel threatened by divorce or separation.

Finally, the piece calls attention to the cultural normalization of such violence in certain contexts, questioning societal values that allow for the perpetuation of 'male honor' as a rationale for such horrific acts. It urges for a broader dialogue on gender norms and the necessity of dismantling the structures that permit violence against women and children as a means of asserting masculinity.