I Have No Son: Difference between revisions

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And sometimes he doesn't. And if the child (often a son) doesn't step into line quickly, the offending parent quickly disowns him, disavowing all knowledge that this "son" ever even existed.
And sometimes he doesn't. And if the child (often a son) doesn't step into line quickly, the offending parent quickly disowns him, disavowing all knowledge that this "son" ever even existed.


Cue the sad violin music -- it looks like the kid is going to have to learn to make his own way in this harsh, harsh world all alone.
Cue the sad violin music—it looks like the kid is going to have to learn to make his own way in this harsh, harsh world all alone.


This doesn't mean that reconciliation is impossible further on down the track. But it usually happens years later, when the kid's a success and often when the parent is on their deathbed, and it's a long, bitter road until that happens.
This doesn't mean that reconciliation is impossible further on down the track. But it usually happens years later, when the kid's a success and often when the parent is on their deathbed, and it's a long, bitter road until that happens.


Rest assured, however, that the chances of this happening are far higher than one might expect. The initial [[I Have No Son]] sequence typically takes place in flashback -- we only learn the story because the now successful disowned son is giving us a sob story about [["Well Done, Son" Guy|how much he wishes his father would approve, or at least]] ''[["Well Done, Son" Guy|acknowledge]]'' [["Well Done, Son" Guy|his existence]]. If we see the event unfold in real time, then usually it gets wrapped up much sooner.
Rest assured, however, that the chances of this happening are far higher than one might expect. The initial '''I Have No Son''' sequence typically takes place in flashback—we only learn the story because the now successful disowned son is giving us a sob story about [["Well Done, Son" Guy|how much he wishes his father would approve, or at least]] ''[["Well Done, Son" Guy|acknowledge]]'' [["Well Done, Son" Guy|his existence]]. If we see the event unfold in real time, then usually it gets wrapped up much sooner.


Bear in mind that the parent doing the disowning might not be entirely a jerk; sometimes, the kid just crosses a line they shouldn't cross (especially if they've [[Mama Didn't Raise No Criminal|grown up wrong]]) and deserves being kicked out with all ties severed. Again, reconciliation isn't an impossibility, but since this kid's bitter and twisted anyway don't expect it happening any time soon. And rest assured that the parent is going to have to justify their actions to the audience explicitly anyway, since the act of disowning one's own flesh and blood for any reason is well, pretty harsh. A justification commonly seen in a [[Crime and Punishment Series]] is when the parents essentially disown the child due to a crippling drug habit that the child has plunged into; this is often accompanied with a justification about how "there's only so long you can watch or enable them to destroy themselves before you have to sever all ties."
Bear in mind that the parent doing the disowning might not be entirely a jerk; sometimes, the kid just crosses a line they shouldn't cross (especially if they've [[Mama Didn't Raise No Criminal|grown up wrong]]) and deserves being kicked out with all ties severed. Again, reconciliation isn't an impossibility, but since this kid's bitter and twisted anyway don't expect it happening any time soon. And rest assured that the parent is going to have to justify their actions to the audience explicitly anyway, since the act of disowning one's own flesh and blood for any reason is well, pretty harsh. A justification commonly seen in a [[Crime and Punishment Series]] is when the parents essentially disown the child due to a crippling drug habit that the child has plunged into; this is often accompanied with a justification about how "there's only so long you can watch or enable them to destroy themselves before you have to sever all ties."


This trope has various roots -- most obvious is the tendency of many writers to be of Jewish descent. Orthodox communities could be particularly unforgiving when it came to children (particularly males) who decided to try and make their way outside of the Jewish community.
This trope has various roots—most obvious is the tendency of many writers to be of Jewish descent. Orthodox communities could be particularly unforgiving when it came to children (particularly males) who decided to try and make their way outside of the Jewish community.


Of course, overuse of this term has caused the words themselves to be considered a [[Dead Horse Trope]], if not the entire plot itself. As a result most modern examples tend to skew toward the side of comedy.
Of course, overuse of this term has caused the words themselves to be considered a [[Dead Horse Trope]], if not the entire plot itself. As a result most modern examples tend to skew toward the side of comedy.
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** This trope is more directly inverted when {{spoiler|Lelouch accidentally forces princess Euphemia to commit genocide against the Japanese population, an act which causes the Japanese people to rise up in open revolt, giving Lelouch the chance to drive Brittania out of Japan once and for all. His father's reaction to this? ''Ha! Finally, an act which proves him worthy to be my son!''}}
** This trope is more directly inverted when {{spoiler|Lelouch accidentally forces princess Euphemia to commit genocide against the Japanese population, an act which causes the Japanese people to rise up in open revolt, giving Lelouch the chance to drive Brittania out of Japan once and for all. His father's reaction to this? ''Ha! Finally, an act which proves him worthy to be my son!''}}
* In ''[[AIR]]'', {{spoiler|Minagi's mother}} does this, although to be completely fair {{spoiler|this was after the dream she had about the time she miscarried Michiru caused her to ever forget she had a daughter,}} and they make up later.
* In ''[[AIR]]'', {{spoiler|Minagi's mother}} does this, although to be completely fair {{spoiler|this was after the dream she had about the time she miscarried Michiru caused her to ever forget she had a daughter,}} and they make up later.
* [[Uptown Girl]] Nadeshiko Kinomoto was cut off from her highly wealthy family after she married a poor, humble student-teacher (and protagonist's father) in ''[[Cardcaptor Sakura]]''; more hatred was directed at the husband (both for being of a lower class and because [[May-December Romance|she was a school student when she married him]]), but she was disowned anyway. Interestingly, she wasn't upset with this, and her living family, especially her cousin, talk of her as if she were a saint.
* [[Uptown Girl]] Nadeshiko Kinomoto was cut off from her highly wealthy family after she married a poor, humble student-teacher (and protagonist's father) in ''[[Cardcaptor Sakura]]''; more hatred was directed at the husband (both for being of a lower class and because [[May–December Romance|she was a school student when she married him]]), but she was disowned anyway. Interestingly, she wasn't upset with this, and her living family, especially her cousin, talk of her as if she were a saint.
* Inverted in ''[[One Piece]]'' with Portgas D. Ace and his father. Ace disavows his father so completely that he uses his mother's surname, Portgas, and says that "my only dad is [[A Father to His Men|Whitebeard]]."
* Inverted in ''[[One Piece]]'' with Portgas D. Ace and his father. Ace disavows his father so completely that he uses his mother's surname, Portgas, and says that "my only dad is [[A Father to His Men|Whitebeard]]."
** Also played straight in chapter 576. Whitebeard [[A Father to His Men|considers every member of his crew, past and present, to be his son.]] For the crime of killing another member of Whitebeard's crew, Blackbeard is the only one to ever be disowned.
** Also played straight in chapter 576. Whitebeard [[A Father to His Men|considers every member of his crew, past and present, to be his son.]] For the crime of killing another member of Whitebeard's crew, Blackbeard is the only one to ever be disowned.
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* In ''X-Statix'', Vivisector's father insists that the fact that Myles is his son is "a matter of opinion". Why? Simple - Vivisector is a gay mutant. Joining the X-Force was evidently the last straw, because by becoming a celebrity daddy couldn't pretend he didn't exist anymore.
* In ''X-Statix'', Vivisector's father insists that the fact that Myles is his son is "a matter of opinion". Why? Simple - Vivisector is a gay mutant. Joining the X-Force was evidently the last straw, because by becoming a celebrity daddy couldn't pretend he didn't exist anymore.
** Supporting character Lacuna ''actively tries'' to get this reaction from her parents after discovering she's a mutant. When they accept her mutation with open arms, she tries to join the X-Force... and they're supportive of that, as well. Finally, she becomes a talk show host, squandering her incredible gift by chatting up celebrities. All she ever wanted was for her parents to be disappointed in her. Because how else do you know you're doing the right thing?
** Supporting character Lacuna ''actively tries'' to get this reaction from her parents after discovering she's a mutant. When they accept her mutation with open arms, she tries to join the X-Force... and they're supportive of that, as well. Finally, she becomes a talk show host, squandering her incredible gift by chatting up celebrities. All she ever wanted was for her parents to be disappointed in her. Because how else do you know you're doing the right thing?
* In ''Magneto Rex'', Quicksilver is captured by a rival faction and Rogue asks Magneto to organize a rescue. Magneto flatly tells her that since Pietro keeps refusing to join him in ruling by his side, [http://s835.photobucket.com/albums/zz275/KiplingKat/?action=view¤t=scan0031.jpg he has no son].
* In ''Magneto Rex'', Quicksilver is captured by a rival faction and Rogue asks Magneto to organize a rescue. Magneto flatly tells her that since Pietro keeps refusing to join him in ruling by his side, [http://s835.photobucket.com/albums/zz275/KiplingKat/?action=view¤t=scan0031.jpg he has no son].
* Renee Montoya's parents disowned her when Two-Face outed her as a lesbian and she admitted it to them in the ''[[Gotham Central]]'' arc "Half A Life."
* Renee Montoya's parents disowned her when Two-Face outed her as a lesbian and she admitted it to them in the ''[[Gotham Central]]'' arc "Half A Life."
* In the initial "Moon Knight" series, Marc Spector (Moon Knight) has this in his background. It happened after he one-punched his father, which should count as some sort of justification.
* In the initial "Moon Knight" series, Marc Spector (Moon Knight) has this in his background. It happened after he one-punched his father, which should count as some sort of justification.
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== Film ==
== Film ==
* Famously done in the 1980 version of ''[[The Jazz Singer]],'' with that very line delivered by [[Laurence Olivier]] in full-on [[Large Ham]] mode.
* Famously done in the 1980 version of ''[[The Jazz Singer]],'' with that very line delivered by [[Laurence Olivier]] in full-on [[Large Ham]] mode.
** Slightly more underplayed in the 1927 version, with the title card "My son was to stand at my side and sing tonight - but now [[I Have No Son]]."
** Slightly more underplayed in the 1927 version, with the title card "My son was to stand at my side and sing tonight - but now I Have No Son."
* Justified in ''[[There Will Be Blood]]'': As it turns out, the father in this case has a very valid reason to make such a claim.
* Justified in ''[[There Will Be Blood]]'': As it turns out, the father in this case has a very valid reason to make such a claim.
{{quote|"[[Changeling Fantasy|You're a bastard in a basket!]]"}}
{{quote|"[[Changeling Fantasy|You're a bastard in a basket!]]"}}
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** ''Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham'' adds a twist since {{spoiler|the disowned son is actually adopted and states that if his father had not specifically said "You're not my son", he may have actually tried to mend bridges sooner.}}
** ''Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham'' adds a twist since {{spoiler|the disowned son is actually adopted and states that if his father had not specifically said "You're not my son", he may have actually tried to mend bridges sooner.}}
* In ''[[How to Train Your Dragon (animation)|How to Train Your Dragon]]'', Hiccup is told this by his father Stoick. Fairly predictable though, given Stoick's personality and Hiccup's actions. Leads to a [[Crowning Moment of Heartwarming|incredibly beautiful moment]] later.
* In ''[[How to Train Your Dragon (animation)|How to Train Your Dragon]]'', Hiccup is told this by his father Stoick. Fairly predictable though, given Stoick's personality and Hiccup's actions. Leads to a [[Crowning Moment of Heartwarming|incredibly beautiful moment]] later.
** Also notable because, unlike many other examples of this trope, ''Stoick'' is hurt by his words as badly as Hiccup is--he physically staggers when he leaves the room and realizes what he's said.
** Also notable because, unlike many other examples of this trope, ''Stoick'' is hurt by his words as badly as Hiccup is—he physically staggers when he leaves the room and realizes what he's said.
* ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''- In a marvelously hammy yet [[Crowning Moment of Sadness|tragic]] scene, Denethor tells this to Faramir.
* ''[[The Lord of the Rings]]''- In a marvelously hammy yet [[Crowning Moment of Sadness|tragic]] scene, Denethor tells this to Faramir.
* ''[[Lord of War]]'' - An unusual example, in that it happens towards the end and isn't reconciled. The main character's brother is killed after being dragged back into an illicit business for [[Retirony|"One last time,"]] and the main character is arrested. He calls his parents from jail to tell them what happened to him and his brother, to which the mother's only response is "Both my sons are dead."
* ''[[Lord of War]]'' - An unusual example, in that it happens towards the end and isn't reconciled. The main character's brother is killed after being dragged back into an illicit business for [[Retirony|"One last time,"]] and the main character is arrested. He calls his parents from jail to tell them what happened to him and his brother, to which the mother's only response is "Both my sons are dead."
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* ''[[Firefly]]'': Simon Tam was disowned for his (correct, as it turns out,) belief that the "academy" River was sent to was actually performing horrific experiments on her. In this case it was fortunate as it cut away any further leverage the Alliance had on him.
* ''[[Firefly]]'': Simon Tam was disowned for his (correct, as it turns out,) belief that the "academy" River was sent to was actually performing horrific experiments on her. In this case it was fortunate as it cut away any further leverage the Alliance had on him.
** Not so much disowned as on the run.
** Not so much disowned as on the run.
* Variant used in a [[Narm]] way on ''[[7th Heaven]]''. When the entire family reveals to matriarch Annie that they won't be home for Thanksgiving, she announces, "You are not my family"--her minor-aged children included, no less.
* Variant used in a [[Narm]] way on ''[[7th Heaven]]''. When the entire family reveals to matriarch Annie that they won't be home for Thanksgiving, she announces, "You are not my family"—her minor-aged children included, no less.
* Happens to the [[Les Collaborateurs|traitor]] Daniel in ''[[V]]: The Final Battle''. One of the few cases where the claim is made and the audience accepts it without even blinking.
* Happens to the [[Les Collaborateurs|traitor]] Daniel in ''[[V]]: The Final Battle''. One of the few cases where the claim is made and the audience accepts it without even blinking.
* Subverted in ''[[Law and Order: Criminal Intent]]'', when a man initially suspected of being an infamous serial killer testifies to Goren and Eames that his father is actually the one guilty. In fact, the son's life has been made hell, growing up in fear that he's a sadist like Dad. When his father declares, "You're no son of mine!" as he is being dragged away in handcuffs, Eames comments, "That's the nicest thing he could have said to him."
* Subverted in ''[[Law and Order: Criminal Intent]]'', when a man initially suspected of being an infamous serial killer testifies to Goren and Eames that his father is actually the one guilty. In fact, the son's life has been made hell, growing up in fear that he's a sadist like Dad. When his father declares, "You're no son of mine!" as he is being dragged away in handcuffs, Eames comments, "That's the nicest thing he could have said to him."
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== Webcomics ==
== Webcomics ==
* Michael Alan Avariss of ''Gene Catlow'' is this way about his son, Steven over his associations with anthropomorphic animals, or, as Michael puts it, "beasts".
* Michael Alan Avariss of ''Gene Catlow'' is this way about his son, Steven over his associations with anthropomorphic animals, or, as Michael puts it, "beasts".
* Parodied in ''[[Sluggy Freelance]]'' in the Oceans Unmoving storyline. Callix sends one of [[The Greys]], aliens with a slim to nil understanding of human social behavior, to talk to his father being held captive in the hold. [[Hilarity Ensues]] as the Grey is clearly incapable of understanding that the proclamations of [[I Have No Son]] are strictly for dramatic effect.
* Parodied in ''[[Sluggy Freelance]]'' in the Oceans Unmoving storyline. Callix sends one of [[The Greys]], aliens with a slim to nil understanding of human social behavior, to talk to his father being held captive in the hold. [[Hilarity Ensues]] as the Grey is clearly incapable of understanding that the proclamations of I Have No Son are strictly for dramatic effect.
* A sibling variant in ''[[El Goonish Shive]]''. While clarifying the relationship between Tedd and Nanase (their mothers are sisters) for the [[Fourth Wall Mail Slot]], Amanda phones Nanase's mother to ask why Tedd's mom [[Missing Mom|never gets mentioned]]. When she gets the reply "I have no sister!", she wonders if her initial explanation was wrong.
* A sibling variant in ''[[El Goonish Shive]]''. While clarifying the relationship between Tedd and Nanase (their mothers are sisters) for the [[Fourth Wall Mail Slot]], Amanda phones Nanase's mother to ask why Tedd's mom [[Missing Mom|never gets mentioned]]. When she gets the reply "I have no sister!", she wonders if her initial explanation was wrong.
* Played with in [http://www.smbc-comics.com/index.php?db=comics&id=157#comic this] [[Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal]].
* Played with in [http://www.smbc-comics.com/index.php?db=comics&id=157#comic this] [[Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal]].
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* [[Avatar: The Last Airbender]] of course has Ozai who clearly had no regard to his son Zuko. Stating he was "Lucky to be born" and even burning off most of his face when Zuko questioned his logic during a war meeting. Zuko at first tries to get his [["Well Done, Son" Guy|respect]] for most of the series. But in the end realizes he's a [[Jerkass]] and help the main heroes in stopping him.
* [[Avatar: The Last Airbender]] of course has Ozai who clearly had no regard to his son Zuko. Stating he was "Lucky to be born" and even burning off most of his face when Zuko questioned his logic during a war meeting. Zuko at first tries to get his [["Well Done, Son" Guy|respect]] for most of the series. But in the end realizes he's a [[Jerkass]] and help the main heroes in stopping him.
** [[Complete Monster|Just a Jerk-Ass]]?
** [[Complete Monster|Just a Jerk-Ass]]?
* Previously, on ''[[Gargoyles]]'': When Angela tells [[Knight Templar|Demona]] that she is Demona's biological daughter, Demona responds with "I have no daughter!" In this case, though, it's not based on disapproval--Demona honestly did not realize her child (last seen as an egg with people she considered her enemies) was still alive.
* Previously, on ''[[Gargoyles]]'': When Angela tells [[Knight Templar|Demona]] that she is Demona's biological daughter, Demona responds with "I have no daughter!" In this case, though, it's not based on disapproval—Demona honestly did not realize her child (last seen as an egg with people she considered her enemies) was still alive.
* Parodied on ''[[South Park]]'' as part of the parents' hysterical, [[What Do You Mean It's Not Heinous?]] reaction to the news that the boys have been smoking. Stan tries to bring Randy back to earth, but as soon as he calls him "dad," Randy shouts, "I DON'T HAVE A SON!"
* Parodied on ''[[South Park]]'' as part of the parents' hysterical, [[What Do You Mean It's Not Heinous?]] reaction to the news that the boys have been smoking. Stan tries to bring Randy back to earth, but as soon as he calls him "dad," Randy shouts, "I DON'T HAVE A SON!"
* Darkseid pulls this in ''[[Superman: The Animated Series]]'' after sending his son to a slave pit with his Omega beams. His exact words in response to Desaad saying that Kalibak was his son, "A technicality of birth. As far as my destiny lies, I have no son."
* Darkseid pulls this in ''[[Superman: The Animated Series]]'' after sending his son to a slave pit with his Omega beams. His exact words in response to Desaad saying that Kalibak was his son, "A technicality of birth. As far as my destiny lies, I have no son."
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