Obama’s Surprising Take on Raising Boys Today

Clear Facts

• Former President Barack Obama discussed the challenges of raising boys during a conversation with Michelle Obama on her podcast.
• Obama criticized progressive rhetoric for focusing too much on what is wrong with boys rather than acknowledging their positive attributes.
• He emphasized the importance of teaching boys common courtesies, such as paying for meals and opening doors, as part of their upbringing.

In a recent podcast appearance with his wife, former First Lady Michelle Obama, former President Barack Obama delved into a topic that has been largely overlooked: the upbringing of boys.

During their discussion, Obama acknowledged a critical oversight by progressives 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. Where it’s like we’re constantly talking about … what’s wrong with the boys, instead of what’s right with them.”

This admission highlights a significant gap in the narrative, which often emphasizes the challenges faced by girls and women while neglecting the needs of boys.

Obama pointed out that focusing solely on the advantages boys have historically enjoyed can be detrimental.

“For those of us with daughters, we’ve got to have good guys out there,” he noted. “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. But precisely because of that, if you’re not thinking about what’s happening to boys, and how are they being raised, then that can actually hurt women.”

Obama’s comments suggest that neglecting the upbringing of boys could have unintended consequences for girls and women.

He also touched on the importance of teaching boys traditional courtesies, such as paying for meals and opening doors, as part of their social development.

“We joke that, talking to Malia [Obama] and Sasha [Obama], sometimes they go out with their friends, and you know, they’re in a group and the guy’s got crocodile arms,” Obama said, gesturing with his arm. “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. If you’re never opening a door, or pulling out a chair, because that’s just common courtesy.”

These gestures, once considered common courtesy, are now often overlooked in the name of progress. Yet, Obama argues, they are essential in acknowledging the differences between men and women and fostering mutual respect.

While Obama has previously celebrated progressive milestones, such as the Supreme Court’s decision on same-sex marriage, his recent remarks suggest a more nuanced perspective on gender roles and responsibilities.

As society continues to evolve, the balance between progress and tradition remains a topic of debate.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Source