“This gives me hope” — question for mums raising boys

[WriterWithQuestions]

Slightly personal question if that’s ok.

I’ve been doing a lot of writing recently about modern masculinity and relationships. Something a friend said about a piece I wrote pleasantly surprised me:

“As someone raising two boys, this gives me hope.”

It made me realise I need to explore that perspective in more detail.

For those of you raising sons:
• What worries you most about the messages boys absorb today?
• What qualities matter most to you as they grow up?
• Are there things about modern masculinity that make you uneasy?

I’m asking partly out of curiosity, but also because the responses to this topic have been very interesting — especially from mothers — and it’s shaping what I’m exploring next.

I’d genuinely value hearing your perspective.

If anyone is curious about the piece that prompted the comment, I can share.

Yes I’d be interested in reading.

theyre basically taught from birth to treat women as objects to acquire. They’re bombarded with ai, games and porn which gives them awful warped messages about masculinity. You cannot watch or police this 100%

being open-minded, treating others with respect - including women. I can cope with most things but hearing they’d sexually abused a woman would be my worst nightmare and so easy for them to do without realising the impact. It takes sending one dick pic to the wrong girl.

everything. It is beyond harmful and toxic to both genders. Red pill incel culture is one extreme. Gym rat is another. There are very few solid and unproblematic examples any more. You have Marcus rashford for example but he’s few and far between.

I'm sorry to hear that. Unfortunately, it doesn't surprise. Here's the piece I mentioned: https://benrydersmith.substack.com/p/can-i-actually-afford-to-go-out-with