RebelDad

MTv Takes on the At-Home Dad

Posted on 14. Jun, 2010 by Brian Reid in at-home dads, television

When it comes to at-home dads and the media, I can usually be counted on to have an opinion. It may be knee-jerk. I may retract it later. But I can usually give a thumbs-up or thumbs-down.

Not today. I received an e-mail about a new web series from a site owned by MTv Networks called “Stay At-Home Dad.” It is (intentionally) offensive, profane and rude. The title character is a clueless jerk, a Michael Scott with a stroller, a drinking problem and a potty mouth. Check it out:

I want to be offended and curse MTv for ruining the good name of SAHDs. But here’s the thing: I’m happy that we’ve gotten to the point where at-home dads don’t have to be revered as miracle hero parents or painted as bumbling layabouts (or playground Lotharios). We can be portrayed as a-holes. It’s not good, but it’s not a standard-issue stereotype. So that’s progress, right?