January 8, 2014 at 9:13 pm , by Nick Shell

3 years, 1 month.

Dear Jack,

I’m very passionate about shining a spotlight on any stories or situations where dads are being portrayed in a positive spotlight, unlike 20/20’s disrespectful Father’s Day piece entitled “D Is For Dad And Dumb,” or those stereotypicalRobitussin commercials where the dad can’t help but wake the baby with all his annoying coughs.

Here’s a perfect example of the exact kind of story I love to feature:

A picture of Los Angeles dad (and blogger) Doyin Richards has gone viral. In the photo, he is seen brushing his daughter’s hair, while cradling his baby in an Ergo.

I think it’s interesting to dissect why this picture has resonated with so many people.

To me, it’s a candid view of what modern fatherhood is all about: involvement.

Clearly, this dad is involved… very involved– to the point he’s multitasking with his two children.

The picture is credible and sincere; and I think people appreciate that.

In addition to those things, I also found subtle and charming humor in it. I do see irony, but not the kind of irony as to imply that it’s weird for men to “babysit,” because that’s an outdated concept that both Doyin and I agree is not cool, as I see from this other picture from his blog, Daddy Doin’ Work.

What makes me laugh is because Doyin Richards appears to be a large, muscular, masculine guy who seems to be quite familiar with the routine and method of simultaneously getting his daughters ready in the morning; a very caring and thoughtful image.

He illustrates a perfect paradox of being both strong and gentile.

I’m sure the rest of the world has their own reasons for making the picture so popular, but those are the reasons I like it so much.

Gentile, yet strong, and definitely involved- I say that’s a good way to describe the modern dad.

 

Love,

Daddy

 

Photo credit: Doyin Richards of Daddy Doin’ Work.