If we gave fathers the same nonsensical advice we give working mothers

Thu, 15 Oct, 2015 - 12:25

Ciara Flaherty

There is an endless amount of advice given to working mothers about "how to have it all" with 'all' meaning happy kid, successful careers, great hair, healthy diets, immaculate wardrobes, the perfect beach body, good girlfriends, a supportive husband and a pristine house.

But what if we applied the same type of inane language we use when discussing women in the workplace to men?

This parody Twitter account Manwhohasitall is generating some buzz at the moment for its genius lampooning of the expectations placed on working mothers by imagining if men were subject to the same.

I have absolutely nothing against fathers in the workforce, as long as they can concentrate on the job.
— manwhohasitall (@manwhohasitall) October 14, 2015

The account's creator, who wishes to remain anonymous, (jokingly) explained their intention to the Huffington Post :

"Don't get me wrong, I'm absolutely fine with dads who work. It boosts their self-esteem and gives them an identity beyond just 'dad.'"

Here are some of the best tweets from the account.

TODAY'S DEBATE: Is fatherhood the end for career men?
— manwhohasitall (@manwhohasitall) October 10, 2015

RISE & SHINE FRAZZLED DADS! Wife & kids asleep? Now is the time to declutter cupboard under the sink & snack on your open pores. 'Me time'.
— manwhohasitall (@manwhohasitall) October 15, 2015

Working husband & father? Feeling overwhelmed? YOUR FAULT. Drink more water, get up earlier & dress in your 'wow' colours.
— manwhohasitall (@manwhohasitall) October 14, 2015

"Being successful is about being equally handsome on the inside and out" That's so true!! Thanks Steve, great quote. Inspirational.
— manwhohasitall (@manwhohasitall) October 14, 2015

Working husband? How do you juggle kids, housework & skincare? Issac, age 32, "I don't sleep". What an inspiration.
— manwhohasitall (@manwhohasitall) October 14, 2015

Busy working dad? Beat stress by wearing trousers to suit your leg shape, losing 10lbs & organising your laundry room like a pro.
— manwhohasitall (@manwhohasitall) October 14, 2015

MEN! If you speak up in a meeting & want to be taken seriously, dress smart but not too smart, stay calm & avoid appearing too ambitious.
— manwhohasitall (@manwhohasitall) October 14, 2015

And it's clearly hit a nerve as people realise just how nonsensical it sounds when applied to men.

@GrantDenkinson @manwhohasitall It's inspired. I laugh out loud then feel very sad which, I'm hoping, is the point.
— Steve Rooney (@estebanrooney) September 30, 2015

Why does it sound that much more ridiculous when the genders are switched? Sad. But this account is hilarious. https://t.co/vKLHkcN1jU
— StellarNova (@StellarNovaCO) October 15, 2015

Looks like @manwhohasitall truly has it all. So inspirational and empowering for a working father like me!
— Jeff Atwood (@codinghorror) October 15, 2015