Redefining Fatherhood

Yo, second-gen crew, what’s the craic? Gen Z’s out here dodgin’ toxic male role models and huntin’ for real ones – guys who show up, not just show off. Celebrity fathers, like Rihanna’s partner A$AP Rocky, are stepping up, changing nappies, and dropping love for their kids, setting a new standard for what family looks like. Y’all fiercely independent, but deep down, you’re crushing on that stability vibe – not the old-school, picket-fence family, but something fresh, real, and non-stereotypical.

Gen Z’s Done with Toxic Vibes, Cravin’ Real Role Models

Gen Z’s got no time for the negative masculine stereotypes – you know, the “tough guy” nonsense or absentee dads pushed by outdated media. You’re looking for positive male role models who keep it 100, and celebrity fathers are serving that energy. Take A$AP Rocky, Rihanna’s partner, who’s all in on dad life with their sons, RZA and Riot. In a 2022 Dazed interview, Rocky said he wants to raise “open-minded children” who don’t discriminate, embeddin’ diversity and versatility in his household. That’s the kind of flex Gen Z respects – guys who prioritise love and growth over ego.

For second-gen youth, this hits home. You’re balancing your parents’ cultural hustle with your own Irish-rooted grind, and you need role models who get that duality. The Drinks Industry Group’s report says you all are mindful, ditching binge drinking for meaningful vibes. That same energy applies here – you’re choosing fathers who model care, not chaos. Rocky’s out here pushin’ prams and plannin’ playdates, showin’ that bein’ a dad ain’t about stereotypes; it’s about showin’ up. This resonates with your Gen Flow vibe: digital-savvy, trusting your squad over ads, and using apps to connect with your crew for real-world moments, not fake flexes.

Fierce Independence, But a Soft Spot for Stability

Gen Z’s the “do it myself” generation – fiercely independent, stackin’ your own coins, and living unapologetically. You’ve got a romantic notion of stability, too. Not the cookie-cutter, nuclear-family nonsense, but a vibe where love, trust, and care hold it down.  For second-gen families, this stability is a big deal. Your parents’ sacrifices – crossing borders, facing barriers – taught you resilience, but also the value of a tight-knit crew. You’re not chasing the “mum, dad, two kids” trope; you want families that look like yours – maybe multigenerational, maybe chosen, always real. Rihanna and Rocky’s fam, with their road-trip roots and Wu-Tang-inspired kid names, scream non-traditional but stable. Rihanna told Vogue in 2022 they’re “best friends with a baby,” showing how partnership and parenthood can vibe without losing edge. That’s the Gen Flow energy – 45% more likely to discover brands through social ads, you’re scrolling X for inspo, finding dads who balance hustle with heart.

Celeb Dads Are Rewritin’ Fatherhood

Celebrity fathers are flipping the script on what it means to be a dad. Forget the tired “deadbeat” stereotypes – guys like Will Smith, who’s tight with his kids Willow and Jaden, or Jay-Z, who’s penning rhymes about Blue Ivy, are showing fatherhood as active, engaged, and dope. These [black] men counter negative narratives, like the ones in the media that paint Black dads as absent. A 2025 study in the Journal of African American Studies says Black fathers in shows like Fresh Prince tackle “The Talk” about race, proving they’re vital in shaping their kids’ worldviews. That’s the kind of role model Gen Z’s hyping.

For Ireland’s second-gen youth, this is fire. You’re navigatin’ a world where far-right noise tries to drown out your multicultural vibe, but these dads show you how to stand tall. They’re not just rich – they’re real, like Rocky laughin’ about Cocomelon drivin’ him nuts in a 2024 Billboard interview. They’re dads who get their hands dirty, from nappy changin duty to deep talks, and that’s the Glamour & Grime edge – raw, unfiltered, and authentic. You’re usin’ socials to find these role models.

Non-Stereotypical Families Are the Gen Z Wave

Gen Z ain’t here for the stereotypical family playbook. You’re redefin’ what “family” means – maybe it’s your bio fam, maybe it’s your chosen crew, maybe it’s a mix. Celeb dads are leading that charge, showing families that don’t fit the mould but still have that glue. Take Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade, who co-parent Zaya with love and advocacy, or the Obamas, who had Michelle’s mum living with them in the White House, keeping it multigenerational like many Black and migrant families. A 2019 study says these kin-focused setups defy White, nuclear-family norms, and Gen Z’s all about that.

Amplify Your Vibe with EqualityWorx

Gen Z, you’re rewriting the rules, and Black celeb dads are givin’ you the blueprint. Role models are showing fatherhood’s about love, not stereotypes. You’re fiercely independent, but that stability vibe’s got you dreamy, and non-traditional families are your jam. EqualityWorx is your megaphone – drop a 300-500-word piece at equalityworx.com/submit about your role models, your family’s unique vibe, or how brands can rep second-gen youth right. Share a clip on X or Insta with #EqualityWorxVibe and tag @EqualityWorx – we’ll hype it loud!