Who knew that Michael Ealy set the tone for men’s communication styles?

Ealy was recently stopped for a quick interview at CultureCon with 21Ninety, and the reporter jokingly asked him, “Where are the rest of the men like you? Can you teach a course or something?” 

Ealy smiled and quipped, “Maybe I’ll write a book or something. It’s probably hard right now, but I think a lot of that stems from…men don’t know how to talk to women anymore. And I don’t know how much women know how to talk to men, to be honest with you, because I think the devices have gotten in the way.”

The “Reasonable Doubt” actor followed up by sharing that back in his day, you told a woman how you felt face- to- face. “I don’t feel like people have to do that anymore. I feel like people break up over text,” he said, reflecting on how technology may have changed the dating game and the way men and women communicate.

In the clip, Ealy emphasizes a common struggle: communication barriers that emerge between men and women because of the hurdle of technology, and also because many men haven’t learned how to express themselves vulnerably. Ealy has been married to his wif,e Khatira Rafiqzad, for 13 years.

Later in the clip, fellow “Reasonable Doubt” hunk Morris Chestnut gave insight into dating and said, “I think it’s really important to focus on substance, understand the perspective.” Chestnut was referring to dating and conflict. Chestnut has been married to his wife, Pam for 30 years.

In recent years, Black men in public spaces have been challenged to reevaluate how they express intimacy, respect, and presence in relationships. Ealy’s thoughts add to this blossoming dialogue. This urging is not just on men; it’s on women, too. Communication and vulnerability are key in any relationship, and both partners should do this work. Do you agree?