The film documents the journeys of several young men struggling with pressures from their family, the media, and their peer group about what it means to be a man. These messages include being encouraged to disconnect from their emotions, from their friendships and ties to community, to objectify and degrade women, and resolve conflicts through violence. These gender stereotypes intersect with race, class, and life circumstance, creating a maze of identity issues boys and young men must navigate to become “real” men.
Experts in neuroscience, psychology, sociology, sports, education, and media also weigh in, offering empirical evidence of the “boy crisis” and tactics to combat it.
The Mask You Live In illustrates how we, as a society, are currently failing boys but that we can turn that around and, together, raise a healthier generation of boys and young men.
The film includes a press kit for hosting a screening, facilitators guide for moderating a panel discussion as well as a curriculum with activities for educators.
The film includes a press kit for hosting a screening, facilitators guide for moderating a panel discussion as well as a curriculum with activities for educators.
Visit the website to learn how to host a screening, use the materials for educational purposes and for supplemental materials.