Barack Obama reflected on the importance of diverse role models for young men during an episode of the IMO podcast. He mentioned an out gay college professor, Dr. Lawrence Goldyn, who influenced him with empathy and kindness. Obama emphasized that structures should be created to allow boys and men to encounter various role models beyond traditional paths. He recognized the courage it took for Goldyn to support LGBTQ+ students in the late 1970s, highlighting the need for understanding and a broader view of success continued into contemporary society.
I had a gay professor in college at a time when openly gay folks still weren't out a lot, who became one of my favourite professors and was a great guy and would call me out when I started saying stuff that was ignorant.
You need that - to show empathy and kindness.
And keep in mind, this was 1978. That took a lot of courage, a lot of confidence in who you are and what you stand for.
I do think as a society, we have to create more structures for boys and men to ... be able to meet a wide range of role models so that whatever their inclinations, they can see a path to success that isn't just sports or money, making a lot of money.
Collection
[
|
...
]