Not a bro Dad

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What is the typical DCUM-dad? Because that’s like the antithesis of the Bro-dad, right?


My take:

Early 40’s. PhD or JD. Works in public policy or nonprofit. Hasn’t been in direct sunlight since 2014 but owns lots of Patagonia clothing. Prefers his kids to play phone apps about fishing rather than take them fishing because fish are scary. Pays someone else to work on his eBike, which he doesn’t ride because it’s so hot outside. Knows the daily schedule of WAMU 7 days a week. Thinks taking the kids out for kale smoothies is something they enjoy.

This is so close to describing my neighbor I actually wonder if it was written by his wife, who I know secretly despises what he has become.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I can see why the typical overweight (or sunken-chested) DC dad would be bothered by someone like this.

Basically this. This thread is basically socially awkward nerds venting. I’m not a bro dad or whatever that means but I’d take a bro dad any day over a passive aggressive DC wonky dad with a Patagonia fleece any day of the week.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I can see why the typical overweight (or sunken-chested) DC dad would be bothered by someone like this.

Basically this. This thread is basically socially awkward nerds venting. I’m not a bro dad or whatever that means but I’d take a bro dad any day over a passive aggressive DC wonky dad with a Patagonia fleece any day of the week.

Absolutely. And a bro dad wouldn't be on DCUM posting about his feelings.

[Anonymous]

Eh, the bro dads I know in DC mostly have graduate degrees, some work in policy jobs, and I absolutely could see some of them posting on DCUM, which has an above average percentage of arrogant, condescending, self-important posters.

Also I know several bro dads in my neighborhood who have e-bikes and talk about composting. I live on the Hill and some people here get competitive about having a low-carbon footprint -- there is social cache in it. Which I guess is better than competing over who has the biggest truck. But most of the bro dads will brag about their e-bikes in the same breath that they brag about taking their family to New Zealand, so the environmentalism is somewhat performative.

But that's what a bro dad is to me -- competitive, status conscious, and arrogant. Especially about their kids or family. It doesn't really matter if they're bragging about Junior's lacrosse prowess or how progressive their daughter's preschool is. People find all kinds of dumb $hit to be competitive about.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Metrosexual in my opinion are the men who
1) pay more attention to appearance, grooming and dressing,
2) happy to go to see NFL game AND the philharmonic orchestra,
3) care about what china you select,
4) participate more with household tasks.

Urban hipster. Fancy hairdo, consider themselves "cultured", usually think they're a gourmet cook and look down on plebeian food, like to drink hard liquor with the giant ice cube.. Don't get along with bro dads.

And equally insufferable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is still one of my favorite DCUM threads. I re-read it from time to time (especially first 15 pages) to laugh my ass off.

Why does it make you laugh? It’s mostly true.