Former President Barack Obama recently shared a candid perspective on the challenges of raising boys in today’s world during a heartfelt discussion on his wife’s podcast.
According to the Daily Caller, in a revealing conversation with former First Lady Michelle Obama, the former president tackled topics like male friendships and the societal impact of how boys are raised, while critiquing certain progressive approaches to these issues.
The discussion took place on Michelle Obama’s podcast, where the couple often delves into personal and societal topics. One segment of the episode, titled “Male Friendships and Emotional Sharing” on the YouTube version, set the stage for a broader conversation. The focus eventually shifted to the upbringing of boys, a subject close to Obama’s heart as a father.
Obama expressed genuine concern about the way boys are perceived and nurtured in modern society. He acknowledged that historically, boys have often held advantages over girls in many areas of life. However, he cautioned against assuming boys will automatically thrive due to these past privileges.
In his critique, Obama pointed out a potential misstep among progressive circles, including parents and Democrats. “I will say, as quote-unquote, progressives, Democrats, progressive parents, enlightened ones, we’ve made that mistake sometimes in terms of our rhetoric,” he said. He elaborated that the focus often leans toward highlighting flaws in boys rather than celebrating their strengths.
Obama emphasized that neglecting how boys are raised can have broader consequences, particularly for women. “For those of us with daughters, we’ve got to have good guys out there,” he noted, stressing the importance of positive male role models. “Not necessarily to get married, but … when we don’t think about boys, and just assume they’re going to be okay because they’ve been running the world, you know, they’ve got all the advantages relative to the girls, and all of which has historically been true in all kinds of ways,” he added.
Continuing his thought, Obama said, “But precisely because of that, if you’re not thinking about what’s happening to boys, and how they are being raised, then that can hurt women.” He tied this idea to his personal life, mentioning his daughters, Malia and Sasha Obama. Their social interactions with boys served as a backdrop for his reflections on behavior and courtesy.
Obama shared a lighthearted yet pointed observation about young men’s behavior in group settings with his daughters. “We joke that, talking to Malia and Sasha, sometimes they go out with their friends, and you know, they’re in a group and the guy’s got crocodile arms,” he said, describing a reluctance to pay the bill. “Not picking up the check … You don’t have to pick it up all the time, but if you’re never picking it up, that’s a problem,” he clarified.
He also underscored the value of simple acts of respect in everyday interactions. “If you’re never opening a door, or pulling out a chair, because that’s just common courtesy,” Obama added. These small gestures, he suggested, reflect deeper values that boys should learn early on.
Obama’s comments highlight a balance between progressive ideals and practical lessons for young men. He believes that focusing only on systemic issues without addressing individual behavior misses a critical piece of the puzzle. For him, raising good men is not just about fairness but about building a better society for everyone.
As a father, Obama’s perspective is shaped by his direct experiences with his daughters’ social environments. He sees firsthand how young men’s actions impact the women around them, including Malia and Sasha. This personal connection fuels his call for more thoughtful approaches to raising boys.
During the podcast, Obama also touched on unrelated but significant societal progress, referencing a landmark legal decision. He praised the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, which upheld the right to same-sex marriage. Calling it a “victory for America,” he noted that it made the nation “a little more perfect.”
Obama’s discussion with Michelle Obama offered a blend of personal reflection and cultural commentary. His insights into parenting boys come at a time when societal expectations for gender roles continue to evolve. Yet, he remains focused on timeless values like courtesy and responsibility in shaping future generations.
The former president’s words serve as a reminder to rethink how society discusses and supports young men. By critiquing certain progressive tendencies, he aims to foster a more balanced conversation on gender and upbringing. His hope, ultimately, is for a world where both boys and girls can thrive together.