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Dad’s Bold Shirts Are Challenging Fatherhood Stereotypes
Parenting
By Jamie Thompson
These stylish dad shirts offer a fresh take on raising daughters and redefining masculinity.
Despite living in 2023, outdated and sexist slogans still make their way onto clothing. When writer and dad, Jake Anderson, spotted shirts aimed at fathers with daughters that featured phrases like, “Shoot the first one and the word will spread,” he decided to take action instead of just rolling his eyes. Thus, he launched his own line of shirts that champion feminism and challenge stereotypes, cleverly named Everyday Girl Dad. Get ready to empty your wallet because you’ll want to snag these for every dad in your life!
Anderson shares with Home Insemination Kit that his relationship with his daughters, 7-year-old Mia and 5-year-old Zoe, is far from traditional. They inspire his designs. “The stereotype of dads being overprotective isn’t at all how I’m building my relationship with my girls,” he explains. “I see my daughters as strong individuals who are already role models in their own right. I want these messages to show that men can admire and support women too.”
His shirts convey a powerful message without implying that dads who wear them don’t care about their daughters’ safety. “Wearing these shirts doesn’t mean I don’t worry about my daughters or their futures,” he clarifies. “It signifies that I’m committed to nurturing our bond in a way that doesn’t involve threats or intimidation. There’s a clear distinction between respecting your daughter’s autonomy and treating her like property.” Anderson’s shirts brilliantly illustrate where you stand on that parenting spectrum.
Beyond uplifting girls and women, Anderson hopes his shirts encourage men and boys to reconsider traditional gender roles. “While I recognize the challenges girls face, I’m also aware of the restrictive mold we place boys into. Masculinity can be diverse; it can include crying, wearing dresses, and even painting nails—just as much as it includes sports,” he asserts.
Anderson envisions that one day, his shirts might also support organizations that share his values. “Once I cover my operational costs, I would love to donate profits to groups that promote healthier masculinity or assist victims of sexual assault,” he shares. “I’m no expert in fundraising or fashion design, but I hope to contribute to causes that really need it.”
One shirt, in particular, always garners attention whenever he wears it: “The Dad Who Cries When Bing Bong Dies.” It elicits positive reactions due to the emotional punch of the movie Inside Out.
Anderson hopes his shirts will inspire other fathers to embrace their identities and engage with their daughters in various ways—not just as the stereotypical protector. “Share stories of doing science experiments, reading together, or simply talking for hours. It’s these moments, not the rejection of them, that define what it means to be a man.”
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Summary: Jake Anderson is challenging outdated fatherhood stereotypes with his line of Everyday Girl Dad shirts. His designs aim to empower both daughters and fathers, advocating for a more diverse understanding of masculinity. With hopes of contributing to organizations that promote healthier views on masculinity, Anderson encourages dads to share meaningful moments with their children instead of adhering to traditional, restrictive roles.