In a world where traditional gender roles are constantly evolving, one millennial dad is shining a light on the profound changes taking place in fatherhood. Bret Green, known as Dad Got Bars on Instagram, is celebrating these changes through his music, particularly with his song “Millennial Dad,” released on Father’s Day weekend. The song, though catchy and upbeat, carries a deep and powerful message about the transformation of fatherhood in the millennial generation.
A Song with a Profound Message
“I realized that our generation was built different when it comes to fatherhood,” Green shared with Upworthy, explaining the inspiration behind his song. “I had so many friends who were amazing fathers and doing things that our fathers just did not do.” This realization led Green to pen “Millennial Dad,” a tribute to the dads who are breaking generational chains and redefining what it means to be a father.
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Challenging Traditional Gender Roles
Green’s lyrics reflect a shift away from traditional gender roles that often placed the burden of child-rearing solely on mothers. In his song, Green raps, “These gender roles getting blurry and it’s harder to decipher. I can’t believe there was ever a time where men wouldn’t change a diaper.” The accompanying video features millennial dads spending quality time with their children in the park, emphasizing the hands-on approach that is becoming more common among fathers today.
The only time a mom appears in the video is when she squats down to get a photo of Green and his daughter. As she does so, Green raps, “Mama doing all the work, that’s antiquated. Putting yourself over your kids? That’s overrated.” This line highlights the evolving dynamic where fathers are actively participating in childcare and household responsibilities, a stark contrast to previous generations.
Acknowledging the Struggles and Triumphs
Green also takes time to acknowledge and commend fathers who are present and active in their children’s lives despite not having had such support themselves. He raps, “If nobody says it, I’m proud of you. You doing things that he couldn’t do. Grown man used to yell at you or that coward that you never knew.” This acknowledgment is particularly powerful, recognizing the strength and dedication of fathers who are determined to break the cycle and be there for their children.
“Most of us products of divorce but it’s 25 times 4 with my kid, 7 days a week, that’s what I call child support,” Green continues, highlighting the commitment of modern dads to be consistently present in their children’s lives, regardless of their own upbringing or circumstances.
Fatherhood as a Central Identity
Millennials have been dubbed the best generation of dads based on a Pew Research study, which found that 57% of men view fatherhood as a focal point of their identity. This number is just slightly below the percentage of women who said the same about motherhood. For Green, fatherhood has not only been a source of personal fulfillment but also a wellspring of creative inspiration.
Though he has been rapping since he was 19, becoming a father provided new motivation to create music. “The songs write themselves,” Green told Upworthy, explaining how his role as a father has influenced his music. Writing, rhyming, and recording videos have become additional ways for Green to bond with his daughter, who often features in his tracks.
Re-Writing the Script
Green’s efforts go beyond just making music; they are about changing the narrative surrounding fatherhood. By sharing his experiences and celebrating the contributions of millennial dads, he hopes to inspire others to embrace their roles as active and engaged parents. His song “Millennial Dad” is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a movement towards a more inclusive and supportive understanding of fatherhood.
