The phrase #SomebodysFather began as a joke between co-workers.
Two friends listened to another co-worker recount their weekend. As they laughed, one said to the other, “Man, I can’t believe that is somebody’s father.” But in that second of comedy gold, a light went off for Scott Haywood. His humor sparked an idea, and possibly a whole movement. He saw a consciousness lacking in the parenting community— maybe one that we all sorely need.
There is an overwhelming representation in pop culture and media referencing the “dead beat dad”. With this, Haywood sought out to do some work on the narrative, and hopefully change it. Culturas spoke with Haywood to learn more.
Culturas: How do you view your movement and brand? What moved you to take on this initiative?
Scott Haywood: The #SomebodysFatherMovement is to recognize father figures for being present in their child’s life. We’ve all heard fathers described as dead beats, failures, losers or bums, and those men do exist. But that is one of the only times a father is recognized. Never when they are doing what they are supposed to: taking responsibility by being a positive role model and raising their child.
When children talk about their father figures like superheroes, that inspires me. Positive interactions between fathers and their children really inspire me. It makes me ask myself, “What do I need to do to be great?” Often the answer is to be myself and continue to challenge myself to be great.
C: What do you feel sets your brand apart from your peers in the parenting community?
SH: There are plenty of outlets that support motherhood, and I am simply out here to promote fatherhood in the most positive way possible. The reality is that there needs to be a positive movement for fatherhood. You can’t ask for better until you address what better can be.
So, I came up with the #SomebodysFather T-shirt. The t-shirt is to help others recognize that you are #SomebodysFather, or somebody’s father figure, and you are involved and proud to be in a child’s life.
C: There is a presence online that clearly shows you make and sell #SomebodysFather t-shirts. What is the next step for the #SomebodysFatherMovement?
SH: We are endeavoring to launch an overall outlet acknowledging father figures as influential in the lives of the children around them. I personally have participated in discussions in parenting, not only to include fathers in the conversations, but also to call them to task. To remind fathers that children are always watching and that we must ask ourselves, “Am I doing my best to positively influence those that look up to me?”
C: With that online presence it seems your customer and community base is very diverse. Was and is that intentional?
SH: Yes. I actually can’t say much more than that. Growing up in Southern California, my friend group and overall community is as diverse as the world is. That openness probably has much to do with how and why I fell in love with, and am now raising biracial children with, my wonderful Iranian American wife.
C: When you first had the idea of the #SomebodysFatherMovement were you a father yourself?
SH: Oh no. That was all before I had kids of my own. Now I question myself to see if I’m as clueless as they were. I think it actually makes me a more open and honest father now.
C: As a father now, do you have any advice you’d like to impart to our parenting community, especially fathers-to-be?
SH: Yes. Firstly, you have got to be aware of what you are teaching those children who look up to you. Every day. And second, it is something special when a father raises a child and continues to grow with his child. It is really the desire of growing as a father at the same time my child is growing into an adult that keeps me inspired to pursue new ways to advance as a positive father figure.
There’s a quote I actively try to remember: “You can make the world better for your kids before you leave it.”
The idea that you can provide for all children in so many ways is something that all of mankind should take into consideration as they are making choices that affect the future of the ones they will leave behind. After all, the child you raise could be somebody’s mother, somebody’s father.
The #SomebodysFatherMovement presses on to create more positive, open, and honest conversations around fatherhood, changing the light around these discussions and refocusing on the positive effects of father figures in our villages, helping to raise our children.
You can follow the #SomebodysFatherMovement at:
Instagram: Somebodysfather_com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SomebodysFatherLLC
Twitter: SomebodysFather@AFathersMind
