This particular UCF Today column, which posted Sept. 19, 2018, addresses today’s worldview of the trope of the bumbling father, which has become a staple of movie and television comedy: Dad can’t cook. Dad can’t change diapers. Dad can’t clean up a mess without making it worse. Some people say such televised fare is mostly harmless. But dedicated fathers whose parenting skills are questioned loathe the stereotype. Plus, when people accept the belief that dads can’t care for children, they alternately assign parenting and domestic roles only to women. In today’s society, people need to have a more accepting view of the roles of both parents. This column calls for that.
From the Judges
This first-person essay by David James Poissant makes an effective case for abandoning the stereotype that when it comes to parenting, men don't know what they're doing. The narrative is well crafted and the voice is approachable, familiar, and friendly, yet unapologetic. The author also uses this forum to advocate for others, helping readers see that the media trope of bumbling dads isn't just bad for dads like him, it's bad for everybody.
