Why punk rock dudes can make great dads
Mama media
By
on October 12, 2011
14
Thanks to Siouxzi for cluing us into this movie rolling through theaters called The Other F Word. In this case, "F" stands for family, and this documentary is all about punks who have become parents. The tag line: "What happens when a generation's ultimate anti-authoritarians — punk rockers — become society's ultimate authorities — dads?" pretty much sums it up nicely. The father-focused film follows Blink-182's Mark Hoppus, Red Hot Chili Peppers' Flea, Rise Against's Tim McIlrath, and Pennywise's Jim Lindberg on their punk dad journey, which you can preview here:
Rae Alexandra brings up a great point in title piece from SF Weekly:
It's noted in the trailer that "There's nothing in the punk rock ethos that prepares you for being a dad." But, actually, we'd like to respectfully disagree. Because we think that a life spent submerged in punk rock is the best training any human could hope for when it comes to raising a child. As anyone who has ever lived in a punk house, or squatted, will tell you, you will never find a more practical human being on earth than a punk — they're good at eating on a budget, they're good at making clothes last three times longer than they should, and, by God, they can fix anything and everything, often using only regular household objects and a bit of creativity (think of them as stinkier MacGyvers). Just imagine what these people are capable of once their band has been successful and they've got some money in their pockets!
I'm personally loving the idea of this documentary — most of the punks I know are incredibly bright, intelligent, and charismatic people. I'm always a fan of not accepting what's told to you the first time around — it's good to question the information you receive so you can learn from and understand it, and a lot of punks teach their kids to do just that.
What do you guys think about the film? Do you plan to see it? You can check the official site for screenings in your area.
About Stephanie Kaloi
Stephanie is a wedding and lifestyle photographer and the Managing Editor of Offbeat Mama. She spends the rest of her time with her husband and son, working on photography projects, blogging, and selling vintage clothes on Etsy.
Jamie Burton said
I think I may have fallen in love with a movie for the first time in my life.
My husband and I are definitely going to see this movie. We struggle with the same questions like: For my husband: "How are we going to explain the zombie tattoos that you have so that our kids will not have nightmares?"
For myself: "I've dyed my hair my natural brown, but I wish every day it was pink again. Can I really be taken seriously at PTA meetings if I don't look the part of other mom's?"
Jenn said
YES! I read about this movie last week and can not wait to see it. A lot of it sounds very familiar to things my husband and I deal with- including tattoos on the forehead, yup.
Monzie said
My 7 month old likes to put everything new and colorful in her mouth and when she discovered the tattoos on her father's arms, she immediately licked 'em.
donteatmenooo said
This is the best thing.
Kirk Augustine said
I absolutely plan on going to this film. These are the musicians that I grew up listening to. I am very excited.
Kathleen said
Oh I am all over that! Brilliant!
Annie said
"Stinkier MacGyvers"? I love that line, and will use it the next time I see my punk rock, community house friends (they've moved up the world-it's like a squat house, only someone actually pays rents and utilities!)
I love the idea of this movie. I've seen the trailer before, and totally agree with the angle the movie is coming at. I anticipate seeing it off-theater or at my local one-off dinner theater.
Jen said
I want to see this! I'm sure people were asking the same question about mountain climbing, pot smoking, free spirit hippie types. Or what about swinging, jazz playing, dance loving hipsters? This is the next part of the story!
amywatkins said
Punk rock dudes are generally pretty comfortable with bucking tradition, which can make them good dads and pretty good partners, or at least that's been my experience with my own punk-loving guy.
Monzie said
Mine too! He has never worried that other people would think he was less of a man for changing a diaper or smooching on his kids. He loves our babies and just doesn't care if anyone thinks he's weird for feeling that way.
Tina said
I'd high five you for your awesome comment right now if I could.
It's very true.
Dejah said
Sold! I really enjoy documentaries, especially laid back ones about people's lives, and I feel that there aren't enough examples of kickass dads in the media (a friend of mine posted an article on fb that talked about 10 ways to not be a crappy father on Father's Day, as opposed to an article celebrating the good fathers…ticked me off to no end). Add in the counter culture history and the challenges of being a good parent when you're on the road half the year and I think you have a really compelling story to tell.
Kelly Gorman Knauer said
When Flea talked about his children giving him life… I cried a little. My husband is a local musician and was in a bunch of bands when we first got pregnant with our little man. He always thought he would be a rock n roll star but now he's a rock n roll daddy! This movie is definitely one that we will be seeing.
Jessica said
ZOMG!! I am so excited you posted this. Newly pregnant and totally freaked …this being unplanned and all, I think this will be a great documentary to being me down to earth and remind me that I can do it.
I have been partying in the scene for a long time and have already felt weird not being able to do as much as before (so tired/sick all day) …but yeah…thank you for sharing! I am planning on seeing it in Berkely on November 18th!