Diaper Dude

My generation of men have to contend with something that’s brand-spanking new in Western society: how to pull off that look wearing a “man purse” – or it’s older cousin - the “diaper bag”, while still retaining masculinity. It’s a complicated dance. But then, pockets weren’t made to carry an absurdly heavy 21st century combination of wallet, keys, sunglasses, and for those who aren’t lucky yet to get an Iphone, then a cellphone AND an Ipod. Unless you wear cargo pants. And then it feels like walking with weights on.

An easy solution was to dump all this gear into my wife’s purse. She protested after the combined weight became too much, and ordered me to get such a “man purse”. It made logistical sense, but it was equal parts scary and humiliating in its instantaneous ability to diminish masculinity the first time wearing in public. But the man purse is here to stay, as my initial reaction gave way to the realization that nobody cares If I have such a purse or not. Luckily, I found one at the outdoor gear store – so I could mentally think of doing macho things like being out in the wilderness or doing something adventure-y.

The next upgrade after the man purse, is, for new parents, the diaper bag. Babies need, besides diapers, of course, an enormous amount of stuff, both for stepping out of the house for a stroll, or for a weekend get-away. Marketers now sell a “girlie” version and a “manly” version – LL Bean, Eddie Bauer, and “The Diaper Dude” all have diaper bags – purses, really - that cater to the man’s sense of ruggedness and masculinity. Black, Grey, or military camouflage – no pinks or Hello Kitty here.

Is this a healthy thing for our society? I don’t really see my Prague high-society great grandfather wearing one. He was so old-school aristocratic that according to my grandmother, she needed to set an appointment whenever she wanted to talk with him. Ditto for my grandfather, a salt-of-the earth farmer, or my dad, who was serving in the army for each one of my mom’s birth. His commanding officer once ordered him to take a leave of absence and visit the newborn in the hospital. I don’t think any of them would consider wearing the “diaper dude” a positive step forward for our society.

But it’s something that progressive, New-Agey dads have to consider to lighten the load for the moms. If these styles allows us to retain a semblance of manliness carrying baby diapers, handi-wipes, and a bizarre assortment of baby toys, then it’s worth it. Now if they only sell toddler bags for the little one to carry their own gear as soon as they start walking…