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Original poster

Who are good male role models?

112 replies

Echobelly · 04/04/2023 21:00

Just seen discussion about this on Twitter. We do talk a lot about the bad ones, but what public figures should our boys look up to?

Dwayne Johnson always seems pretty good to me - he seems like a really caring dad, but he's still 'strong' if that's something a boy finds important and he doesn't take himself too seriously.

NB, I think boys should be able to look up to women too of course. That's why I thought it was good to have a female Doctor in Doctor Who. I didn't think Whittaker was that great but the fact is DS loves Doctor Who and really liked her in it so I think it's a good thing he has a female hero figure out of that.

OP posts:
drumandthebass · 05/04/2023 13:12

My 18 DS absolutely adores Marcus Rashford

thebaneofmylifeisacat · 05/04/2023 13:18

I think it's a very unusual sitch on mumsnet that we all choose Marcus Rashford

Hbh17 · 05/04/2023 13:22

Andy Murray
Roger Federer
Chris Hoy
Tim Peake
Simon Reeve
Richard E Grant
Eddie Redmayne
Ray Mears
Jurgen Klopp

purplepencilcase · 05/04/2023 13:24

Ben Fogle
Ray mears
Bear Grylls

SinnerBoy · 05/04/2023 13:27

Grylls is an irresponsible, self promoting dickhead, who exaggerated his military training to look heroic.

JustFrustrated · 05/04/2023 13:30

Lionoso · 05/04/2023 11:35

Lewis Hamilton.

And yes he does pay tax, before someone quips that nonsense line.

He came from an ordinary background, gives a lot of time and money to charity and is a great role model, especially to young boys.

I came to say that.

If we can only say famous people I'd say my list is

Lewis Hamilton
Foxy from SAS, if you read his autobiography it's amazing, and I think it's a great idea for boys to be taught that you can be the personification of masculinity, but still break and rebuild.

But I generally encourage people to find role models in the normal people around them.

NeverTrustAPoliceman · 05/04/2023 13:36

Role models are better coming from the people around them. We have a handful of friends and neighbours who really fit the role.

Without going into outing details, there is a man in my town who has seen a local issue and has spent nearly every weekend over the winter sorting it out, at his own expense. He tried to be anonymous but eventually got recognised and praised on local social media. That is the sort of thing young people can relate to, rather than a football player.

Crikeyalmighty · 05/04/2023 13:39

Keanu reeves
Gareth Southgate
Gary lineker

NellyNoName · 05/04/2023 13:41

Dr Alex George

VitaminX · 05/04/2023 13:48

I'd be happy if my son grew up to be like his father or his grandfather. Or his uncle. He's lucky enough to have good men in his life.
I just hope he will go through adolescence with mates who are good lads. There's certainly an element of luck there, as well.

catfoodcatastrophe · 05/04/2023 13:57

Andy Murray is a good advocate for women's rights

foxlover47 · 05/04/2023 14:12

Dr Alex is great
Chris packham

goodkidsmaadhouse · 05/04/2023 14:26

NeverTrustAPoliceman · 05/04/2023 13:36

Role models are better coming from the people around them. We have a handful of friends and neighbours who really fit the role.

Without going into outing details, there is a man in my town who has seen a local issue and has spent nearly every weekend over the winter sorting it out, at his own expense. He tried to be anonymous but eventually got recognised and praised on local social media. That is the sort of thing young people can relate to, rather than a football player.

Totally agree with this. I would much rather my kids aspired to be like positive people in our/their communities than anyone famous to be honest.

DS1's coach for example is an amazing role model. He models kindness, genuine inclusivity and care. He spends a huge amount of time volunteering and fund raising so young people can access a sport that has quite expensive barriers to entry.

I also think my DH is a great role model to my sons.

OhMerde · 05/04/2023 14:46

Men who are very vocal in their kindness to animals. Like Tom Hardy and Paul O'Grady with dogs and Carl Hester with horses.

DoNutSweatTheSmallStuff · 05/04/2023 20:29

Trollsinmyeggbox · 05/04/2023 10:29

Tyson Fury? Are you mad?!

Show quote history

I didn't (& wouldn't) say Tyson Fury, think you mixed me up with another poster @Trollsinmyeggbox

Meandfour · 05/04/2023 20:35

thebaneofmylifeisacat · 05/04/2023 13:18

I think it's a very unusual sitch on mumsnet that we all choose Marcus Rashford

It’s also obvious none know him IRL. He has a very good PR team.
He doesn’t make my list.

CoffeeLover90 · 05/04/2023 20:40

Marcus Rashford. I'm not into football at all but what that young man has done off the pitch makes my heart lift. Seen a programme featuring his mother too. What an amazing woman and she was, quite rightly, beaming with pride.
Sir David Attenborough
Paul o grady
Keanu reeves
Tom Hardy - he's open about his rough past and worked hard to overcome his issues.
Ryan Reynolds

Boris Johnson... that was a joke!

EmilyMayishere · 05/04/2023 20:40

We (most of us) don't know any of them in real life!

NashvilleQueen · 05/04/2023 20:40

Agree Marcus Rashford and Andy Murray

For me I think it's something beyond doing their job well. They have to stand for or against something. So Matthew McConaughey when he spoke after the Uvalde shooting took on another dimension for me.

I also love Tim Minchin who I think is a force for good in the world.

Interesting that no one has suggested a politician! I can't think of a one.

NashvilleQueen · 05/04/2023 20:41

Oh wait also Paul McCartney

Happyhappyeveryday · 05/04/2023 20:41

Simon Reeve.
Steven Bartlett.
Dr. Alex George (now, not during Love Island.)
Marcus Rashford.
Owain the Weatherman.
Fred Siriex.
Edward Enninful.
Giovanni Pernice.

Happyhappyeveryday · 05/04/2023 20:51

Roger Federer.

NashvilleQueen · 05/04/2023 21:02

Obama

Lemursandions · 05/04/2023 21:03

I was actually thinking about this just now for my youngest DS ( eldest is just completely football obsessed). Youngest is into drama and dance and acting. He loves jewellery and more flamboyant ( say flowery) and colourful clothing. He was asking me about men who dress like that because he’s becoming aware most of the other boys at school don’t ( and he will get teased).

Have to say I struggled a bit! If anyone has any suggestions very grateful. I’m thinking maybe actors 🤔

Meandfour · 05/04/2023 21:05

Lemursandions · 05/04/2023 21:03

I was actually thinking about this just now for my youngest DS ( eldest is just completely football obsessed). Youngest is into drama and dance and acting. He loves jewellery and more flamboyant ( say flowery) and colourful clothing. He was asking me about men who dress like that because he’s becoming aware most of the other boys at school don’t ( and he will get teased).

Have to say I struggled a bit! If anyone has any suggestions very grateful. I’m thinking maybe actors 🤔

Harry styles?

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