Staff Reports
Former President Barack Obama has once again weighed in on the topic of mentorship, using his platform to stress the value of exposing young men to mentors from various backgrounds. At first glance, Obama’s emphasis on character and work ethic might strike a chord, but there’s reason for healthy skepticism when considering the actual results of such progressive outreach. The former president’s signature program, My Brother’s Keeper, claims to help young men of color find role models, yet it seems to have produced more talking points than measurable outcomes.
Obama asserted that mentorship should focus on traits like accountability and building character, stating that sexual orientation shouldn’t play a role in this equation. While that sounds encouraging, it’s worth noting that the left has spent the past decade pushing identity politics into almost every sphere—including education and youth development. Conservatives understand that the cultural drumbeat for “diversity” often drowns out the much-needed call for discipline, duty, and personal responsibility. Too often, calls for inclusion are used as a cover for lowering standards, enabling a culture of victimhood instead of one of resilience.
Mentorship, at its core, should be about one generation teaching the next the values that build strong families, productive citizens, and a flourishing nation. Unfortunately, many progressive programs prioritize optics over effectiveness, elevating the idea of “diverse perspectives” above time-tested virtues. The danger here is shifting attention away from what truly matters: instilling a sense of pride, a strong work ethic, and the ability to persevere through adversity. These values transcend background—and are the bedrock of success in any walk of life.
While Obama is correct that young men need broad influences and exposure to new experiences, Americans shouldn’t lose sight of the fundamental truth: the best mentorship flows from those who model integrity, accountability, and real-world achievement. The focus should not be on meeting diversity quotas or teaching acceptance for its own sake, but rather on preparing young men to meet the challenges of adulthood with strength, character, and grit. No amount of progressive rebranding can substitute for the wisdom and guidance that tried-and-true role models provide.
In the end, character is king. If we want to raise a generation of men capable of leading families, businesses, and communities, we must look beyond superficial diversity and prioritize those who walk the walk—teaching right from wrong and upholding values that stand the test of time. That, and not the constant shifting of identity-based initiatives, is the mentorship America’s future leaders deserve.
