Sterling K. Brown Explores Racial Dynamics in Parenting and Social Media Safety
In a revealing conversation on the Armchair Expert podcast, Emmy-winning actor Sterling K. Brown highlighted how race significantly influences parenting decisions, particularly regarding children's presence on social media. During Monday's episode, Brown engaged with host Dax Shepard, acknowledging Shepard and his wife Kristen Bell's choice to blur their daughters' faces online but presenting a starkly different perspective rooted in his experience as a Black father.
Divergent Approaches to Social Media Privacy
Shepard and Bell, both actors, typically include their children in social media posts but always obscure their faces to maintain anonymity and safety. In contrast, Brown and his wife, actor Ryan Michelle Bathe, openly share images of their two sons, 14-year-old Andrew and 10-year-old Amaré, without such precautions. Brown explained that while he respects Shepard's desire for privacy, his own approach is driven by a need to protect his Black sons in a society where they face unique risks.
Brown articulated, "I agree and understand exactly what you're saying," referring to Shepard's privacy concerns. "And it's interesting because you have two girls. I have two boys. Your children are obviously white. My children are Black. I feel like the more I put them on social, the safer they are." He elaborated that any proximity to celebrity or status could provide leverage, emphasizing, "I'm trying to make sure that they make it home. That's really it." Shepard responded by acknowledging the logic behind Brown's stance, calling it "heartbreaking" and noting how subtle differences in race manifest in parenting strategies.
Safety Concerns and Adultification Bias
Interestingly, both Brown and Shepard cited safety as a primary concern, but their methods diverge sharply. Shepard detailed his reasoning earlier in the episode, stating, "My thing is number one is safety. I don't want you to know what my daughters look like... I want them to be anonymous and make mistakes and not be in tabloids." Bell echoed this in a 2019 Instagram post, warning of stalking threats and stranger danger if kids' faces are exposed.
However, Brown's perspective is informed by the adultification bias affecting Black boys, where they are often perceived as older and less innocent than their white peers. Research from the American Psychological Association in 2014 supports this, finding that Black boys as young as 10 are viewed as less innocent, potentially increasing their vulnerability to harm. This bias underscores why Brown believes visibility on social media might offer a layer of protection through recognition and status.
Reactions and Broader Implications
The discussion left a profound impact on the podcast's co-host, Monica Padman, who admitted, "I'm going to be thinking about that for so long. Just that subtle difference between two people, who are very similar, in the exact same situation in so many ways, except for one very specific way, and how that manifests is so wild." This exchange sheds light on how racial identity shapes everyday parenting choices, revealing deep-seated societal inequalities.
In summary, Sterling K. Brown's insights challenge conventional wisdom on social media safety, arguing that for Black families, visibility can be a strategic tool against systemic biases. This conversation not only highlights personal parenting philosophies but also sparks a broader dialogue on race, safety, and the complexities of raising children in the digital age.
