Today’s Rad Dad is Fred Goodall, A.K.A. Mocha Dad. He runs the show at Mocha Dad Media and is spreading the word that good black fathers need to get their stories out to help kill the negative stereotype black fathers have. It’s good stuff and I highly recommend it.
I’m asking the questions no one else will. Typically that’s because the questions I ask are random and odd. Everything I asked Fred was taken from his blog. When you’re done here, click the link at the bottom to check out Mocha Dad in all his glory.
Marvel or DC?
I’ve always preferred Marvel because the stories were set in real places and the characters seemed to be more authentic. However, I am loving DC’s new 52 Series. Batwing, Nightwing, and Justice League are my current favorites. But they will never replace my love of X-Men and Spiderman.
On Big Bang Theory Sheldon views the Archie series of comics as not real comic books. Where do you stand on this controversial issue?
I fully agree, but I must admit that I did watch the Archie cartoon series when I was a kid. My daughter likes Archie comics. I tolerate it because I view them as starter comics that will whet her appetite for the real stuff.
Should marriage be just for white people? [Marriage is for white people]
Marriage should just be for crazy people. That’s why I’ve been married for 15 years.
What made you want to start blogging?
I’ve always liked to write. Blogging gave me an outlet to express myself. I started my first blog in 2004 to share my international travel experiences with my friends and family. Since then, I’ve started at least four more blogs. Mocha Dad is my favorite blog because it is where I share my thoughts on fatherhood.
What do you normally drink out of your stainless steel coffee mug?
I drink Community Coffee – dark roast with chicory. It’s a Louisiana thing. You wouldn’t understand.
You’ve discussed your views on should dads buy their wives Mothers Day presents, but where do you stand on wives buying husbands Fathers Day presents?
I’ve never expected my wife to buy me a Father’s Day gift, but I do appreciate her efforts to uphold our Father’s Day traditions. Each year she buys flag shirts for each member of our family and we plan an outing so we can wear our matching shirts. The kids also make a huge Father’s Day Card and my wife takes a photo of the kids and me holding the card. I like look back at the photos through the years.
It’s a situation where the earth will be destroyed and only one superhero can save us. Forget about their character traits and backstory. Which superhero is the biggest bad ass of them all?
I’d want Superman on the job. People look down on Superman because he’s so goody-goody. But he’s super strong and nearly invincible. He’s the guy I’d want saving the world. I’d like to make a side note here. Although I love Batman, people give him far too much credit.
Do you think the stereotype of a black father is getting better or should more good dads (of any color) start telling their stories?
I just read a story about a black man who has fathered 30 children. I was saddened by this story and a bit perturbed that the media chose to focus on this story rather than the thousands of black fathers who are caring for their kids. Dads in general are portrayed as buffoons on TV. We have to tell our own stories if we want to set the record straight.
Remembering that Mocha Dad and Fred are two different people, when Mocha Dad finally hangs up the keyboard what do you want him to be remembered for or remembered as?
Mocha Dad would like to be remembered as someone who inspired other men to be better fathers and better men.
What do you want them to say about Fred at his funeral? Which I’m sure is decades away.
I’d want them to say that Fred was a good husband, father, belly-dancer.
Anything I forgot to ask or anything you want to say?
There is one more thing that I’d like to say. I’ve never gotten over the Oiler’s loss to the Bills in the playoff and for that reason, I will always hold you in contempt.
[If you mean hold ME in contempt, I only lived in Buffalo for two years. I’m a Raider fan which I’m sure opens up a lot more contempt. If you meant hold the Bills in contempt, HELL YEAH!]
Now that you’ve gotten a taste of Mocha Dad why don’t you go check out the BLOG. MD is on Facebook and if you do the Twitter thing he’s @MochaDad. Tell him JR sent you and please leave him a comment here to join in the big Marvel v DC comment battle I expect.