Is the Dad Bod really a thing?
KTB on the Dad bod phenom
Recently, well about two months ago to be more accurate, an article on The Odyssey that glorified “Dad Bod” went viral, brewing controversy all over the web. This even spouted response articles that accused this piece of being objectifying and sexist to both parties.
What is a “Dad Bod”?
USA Today responded by stating how much of a blow this was to the male population, that women who have the desire to be the center of attention fuel this “dad bod” fascination, and therefore objectify men to look less appealing in order to feel more comfortable.
TIME called this new body fad a “sexist atrocity,” saying that the fault should be placed more so on the male party, and that it implies the same social pressure on women to be thin that we see today. However, the male population would now be relieved of any pressure to look any which way and continue on a less than healthful lifestyle.
Dad Bods Are Nothing New
Moylan, author, stated “it continues to reinforce inequality about what is acceptable for men and women.” Oddly enough, this whole controversy is based upon a topic already touched on by Total Frat Move about 9 months ago, which was clearly satirical and blatantly hilarious.
And while I’m always one to support male and female equality and one to come down on those that value a body for social purposes only, this entire body ideality is bothersome to me because of one simple thing: the completely overlooked aspect of health.
Don’t Make Assumptions
Thinking that a man is cocky or self-absorbed because they have a lean physique is problematic in my eyes. To me, a body suited with muscles and little fat is a reflection of work ethic and discipline, and the same view can be applied to girls. Yes, I have met plenty of beautifully sculpted, arrogant assholes that are incredibly self-centered, but I can also say the same thing about some guys with “dad bods.” Ego is not always shaped by body composition. Lots of guys with six packs are just as loving and fun as the next “dad bod,” and they may also like to down a drink or two. It’s all a balance of discipline and education.
And seeing a man that clearly does not put much effort in their body does not make me think that they’re more fun or easier to cuddle, it makes me question their health and how much they value it. Yes, if their body fat and all other health screening results are fine, then I don’t care what they look like. But, seeing that a discussion about vitals is generally not the first thing you discuss when meeting someone, I’m not going to be excited to see someone with a beer gut that only goes to the gym when they feel exceedingly guilty for downing an entire pizza that one drunken night.
Health Matters
Health is important, and no matter what your body fat percentage or occupation is, it should be valued. I, for one, am someone that loves going to the gym, eating healthy, and also have fun from time to time. I can’t imagine allowing myself to be with someone that doesn’t value their fitness levels or diet as much as I do because it’s the basis of overall health, not because it’s just something I happen to be interested in. No, the “dad bod” may not represent the obese population, but it sure doesn’t scream “I make a genuine effort to stay as healthy as possible despite my occasional tendencies to have fun at happy hour.”
Whether this “dad bod” fascination is real or not, the physique itself is prevalent in our world, and it’s not any more appealing than it was two years ago. Just because some article came up with some ridiculous list explaining why girls love dad bods (“you know what you’re getting,” really?) doesn’t mean that it is the new “in” thing. It’s not any more attractive and it’s not any more desirable.
