When people ask me what my plans are after graduation, I jokingly say, “Marry rich and be a stay-at-home dad.” I’m actually not joking at all; I would love nothing more. I feel obligated to call it a joke, though, because people laugh every time.
Not to read too much into it, but I think it’s a real problem that people laugh off the idea of a househusband. Are the skills and talents required to buy groceries, balance a checkbook, wash a load of laundry, take kids to soccer practice or dance class and otherwise manage a household exclusively female? Or am I expected to be more “successful” — have a career, climb the corporate ladder and “bring home the bacon” — because I’m a male? Either way, I’m offended and you should be too regardless of your gender.
I’m not one to be typecast into a gender role. When I was young, I had a killer Reba McEntire impersonation — don’t ask me to do it; I absolutely will not. My friends would say to me, “Guys don’t imitate girls.” I told them, “Well, I’m a guy, and I’m imitating a girl. So yes, guys do imitate girls.”
There have been several parents in the news recently who don’t reveal their child’s gender months or even years after he or she has been born. While I can’t say I’m as dedicated to the cause as they are, I do admire the vigor with which they protect their child’s identity and the commitment they’ve made to let their child grow up in an environment where he or she can do or be whatever he or she wants.
I have a thing for first ladies, specifically their presence in pop culture and what they choose to do with the influence their role carries. Jackie Kennedy is my favorite, but Nancy Reagan and Hillary Clinton are some rad ladies as well who were very proactive while their husbands were in office. That’s what I love about them: first ladies aren’t constitutionally required to do anything; they could take a 4 year vacation and no one could say a word, but these women specifically chose to make a difference.
I’ve always said that if I become the first first gentleman — the ultimate househusband — my platform would be to advocate for more Top 40 songs that promote erasing gender stereotypes.
I’m hyperaware of the media’s influence on me: I can see how everything I consume molds my personality into a pop-frantic Frankenstein of ’80s hair metal bands, bizarre fanfiction and “The Godfather.”
Gender stereotypes are unquestionably present in entertainment. Last semester I conducted a research project on gender stereotypes in animated Disney movies made from 1950-2000. While Disney movies are certainly not the only offenders, they are starting to do their part in fostering a more understanding, less gender-boxed society. I can’t wait to live in a world where girls can play with Hot Wheels, boys can accessorize freely and I can imitate Reba McEntire.
