How to Be Single's Representation of Black Fatherhood

This past weekend the film How to Be Single premiered across the country. While the film falls into the "Chick Flick" category, it stood out and provided viewers with a variety of novel and often unseen characters with major development throughout the film. The most interesting portrayal was that of single father David (Damon Wayans Jr.). David, a black man and a widower, is not only a successful, and educated real estate developer, but also a compassionate and providing father for his young daughter, Phoebe. Too often, the image of a successful black man is shrouded in stereotypes such as success through the rap industry, or through drug pedaling. David, however, provides an accurate and positive portrayal of success while simultaneously serving as a reminder that not all black fathers, are absent from their children's lives. While this character provided depth and compassion, which is often unseen in black father figures in the media, it is merely a step in the right direction. Other films and television series need to follow How to Be Single's lead and commit to fighting stereotypes and cliches.