Some Quick Advice from Barack Obama!

Summary

In this interview, tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) speaks with former President Barack Obama about his book 'A Promised Land.' Marques asks Obama about the role of technology in his presidential campaign, highlighting his team's early adoption of social media to engage voters. They also discuss the dual nature of technology, which can promote both good and harmful ideas. Additionally, Marques explores the challenges of being a Black man in predominantly non-diverse spaces like tech, golf, and frisbee, asking Obama how he dealt with similar experiences as the first Black president.

Takeaways

• 📚 Barack Obama is on a major book tour for his new book 'A Promised Land'.
• 🤝 YouTube reached out to Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) to ask Obama questions about his book.
• ❓ Marques had to choose two questions to ask Obama as part of a YouTube Originals project called Booktube.
• 🎥 MKBHD runs a YouTube channel focusing on tech reviews, covering smartphones, 5G, computers, electric cars, and interviews.
• 🎉 Marques is also a professional ultimate frisbee player and enjoys golfing and NBA basketball.
• 📱 Marques highlights Obama being called the 'first social media president' and how technology helped his campaign.
• 🗣 Obama talks about embracing technology, starting with early platforms like MySpace and Meetup to reach voters.
• ⚖️ Obama discusses how technology can be used for both good and harm, influencing communication and politics.
• 🌍 Marques mentions the lack of diversity in certain fields like technology, ultimate frisbee, and golf, and the extra pressure of being a Black man in these spaces.
• 🌟 Obama reflects on the added burden of being one of the first African Americans in certain positions but sees it as a privilege to drive positive change.

Q & A

Who is the person speaking in the transcript?

The speaker is Marques Brownlee, also known as MKBHD, a popular tech YouTuber.

What is the purpose of the video mentioned in the transcript?

The video is part of a YouTube Originals project called BookTube, where Barack Obama answers questions from various creators about his book 'A Promised Land.'

What does MKBHD mainly talk about on his YouTube channel?

MKBHD focuses on reviewing tech products, discussing smartphones, 5G, electric cars, computers, and conducting interviews related to technology.

What additional hobbies does MKBHD mention outside of tech?

He mentions being a professional ultimate frisbee player, a golfer, and a big NBA basketball fan.

What is the first question that MKBHD asks Barack Obama?

MKBHD asks how Obama embraced technology, particularly social media, during his presidency and how it affected his ability to reach new audiences.

How did technology and social media impact Barack Obama's campaign?

Technology, particularly early social media like MySpace and Meetup, helped Obama build a strong volunteer base and movement during his campaign.

What concerns did Obama raise regarding the use of technology?

Obama discussed the dual nature of technology, noting that while it can democratize and spread love and compassion, it can also spread hatred and negativity.

What observation does MKBHD make about diversity in fields like technology, golf, and ultimate frisbee?

MKBHD notes that while diversity is improving at the youth and beginner levels, fields like technology, golf, and ultimate frisbee still lack diversity at higher levels.

What does MKBHD ask Obama regarding his experience as a Black man in less diverse spaces?

MKBHD asks how being in less diverse spaces affected Obama, whether the extra scrutiny pushed him to do better, and how he mentally handled it.

How did Obama feel about navigating predominantly white spaces as the first Black president?

Obama acknowledged that being in these spaces presented challenges due to stereotypes and expectations, but he viewed it as a privilege to break barriers and propose solutions that improved the organization or team.