Barack Obama, Former U.S President Says Men Need G@y Friends To Teach Empathy And Be Role Models For Their Kids

Barack Obama recently joined Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson on the IMO podcast and shared profound insights into modern masculinity, emotional intelligence, and the power of diverse male role models.

During the conversation, Obama emphasised the importance of boys having access to a variety of male figures beyond their fathers to foster emotional growth.

He particularly noted how LGBTQ friends can serve as pivotal examples of empathy and kindness, qualities essential for raising balanced and compassionate men.

“One dad, even a great one, can’t be everything,” Obama remarked. Reflecting on his own life, he credited Michelle’s extended family and an inspiring college professor, who was openly gay, for challenging his perspectives and nurturing his emotional intelligence.

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Obama also stressed the benefits of inclusivity in friendship groups, underscoring the need for representation. “If you’ve got a boy who’s gay or non-binary, having someone in their circle they can identify with makes all the difference.”

He then turned his attention to progressive parenting, suggesting that efforts to uplift girls have, at times, overshadowed the needs of boys.

“We’ve made the mistake of focusing only on what’s wrong with boys instead of celebrating what’s right,” he explained, adding that the conversation around young men is evolving in positive ways.

While he welcomed the shift towards healthier, more inclusive definitions of masculinity, Obama advocated for retaining certain “old school” values like responsibility and respect. “Not everything needs to be thrown out,” he cautioned.

Ultimately, Obama called for fostering emotionally intelligent communities for children, helping young men see diverse expressions of masculinity as sources of strength and inspiration.

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