Happy Father’s Day to All the Asian Dads Smashing Stereotypes
Finally, a social media trend we can get behind: showing your lovable, laughable dad moments
Words by Vandana Pawa
If you’ve got an Asian dad, you’re likely familiar with the stereotypes of what it’s like to live with them. They’re supposed to be strict and authoritarian, with a parenting style that places high expectations of achievement on their children. There’s an expectation of emotional reservation, as they’re less likely to display affection or express their feelings. These are the narratives that have dominated the landscape surrounding Asian dads, regardless of where they’re from across the globe. Those of us with Asian dads, though, know they aren’t the one-dimensional caricatures that we’re used to seeing them as.
@aleyvia hi dad👨🏻💞
♬ Green green grass - Julia🤭❤️🩹🐾
Kids on social media are showcasing a different side of their Asian dads these days, with wholesome challenges and selfies galore, challenging everything we thought we knew about them. One user went viral for doing a dance challenge with her dad, while another took her 60-year-old dad to his very first concert (BLACKPINK, nonetheless!) Another TikToker had a realization about her dad, alongside all of her friends: every Korean dad takes the same selfie.
@christineandleo why are all Korean dads the same HAHAHA #koreans #koreandads #아빠 ♬ OMG - NewJeans
New generations of fathers are also redefining what fatherhood can mean in Asian families—for both parents and children. Social media dad Jeff Kim and his son Jordan (known online as The CrunchBros) are changing the game for Asian father-son duos across the Internet. The pair started to build a following through their frequent mukbang videos posted during the pandemic, where Jordan would serve gratuitous side-eyes to his dad as they snacked on new foods together. Now, the two take on food challenges, new recipes, and beyond, with CrunchDad Jeff encouraging silliness and leading the charge in being the fun parent of an adventurous young foodie.
@thecrunchbros The best jiggliest cheesecake we’ve ever had #rikuroscheesecake #osakafood ♬ Jiggle jiggle - 𝘝𝘢𝘭 𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘪 💕💗
Online Asian dads aren’t afraid to love on their kids like stereotypes would lead you to believe—and ultimate girl dad and longtime YouTuber Benji Travis proves it every day. From daddy-daughter dates to trips with his kids, he appears to have one major priority: making his kids laugh. The silliness continues over on TikTok, with dancer dad of JuxiFam regularly dropping the hottest baby choreography.
@jubiandxian WALANGBREAKBREAK 🫶 #juxifam #ifweeverbrokeup #iwebu ♬ If We Ever Broke Up - Mae Stephens
This Father’s Day, show some love to the wholesome Asian dads you know and love. May they never stop doing TikTok challenges with us.
Published on June 18, 2023
Words by Vandana Pawa
Art by Ryan Quan
Ryan Quan is the Social Media Editor for JoySauce. This queer, half-Chinese, half-Filipino writer and graphic designer loves everything related to music, creative nonfiction, and art. Based in Brooklyn, he spends most of his time dancing to hyperpop and accidentally falling asleep on the subway. Follow him on Instagram at @ryanquans.