The dopey sitcom Dad has been the archetypal American father for some time. He's more interested in drinking a beer and watching the game than hanging out with his kids. He's not that smart, and he doesn't want to be. His work is lengthy and unfulfilling, and although he loves his family, they are incidental to his life, where he is the protagonist. While these stereotypes are painted with large brushstrokes and don't account for the nuance that comes with real individuals who aren't Homer Simpson, they exist because there is some truth to them. Many fathers who are not textbook "deadbeat dads" take a less-than-involved role in their children's lives. I'm not saying that if a dad can't spend more than weeknights and weekends with their kids, then he's ancillary, but he should at least know his kid's birthdays, medical histories, and middle names. Unfortunately, a lot of dads can't live up to that incredibly low standard.
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