Although Jennifer Siebel Newsom has come and gone, her message has remained on Stevens’ campus. This past Wednesday, Women’s Programs hosted a viewing of Newsom’s newest film, The Mask You Live In, a documentary that follows young men and boys who struggle to remain themselves as they are pressured by American society’s narrow definition of masculinity.
The film was originally shown at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival this past January in Park City, Utah and is currently not available to the public. However, according to Student Coordinator Taylor Carden, “Jennifer gave us the Sundance version when she was here last week, so we were able to show it to those who came out today.”
The audience included both male and female students, and as the film began, the laughter died down.
The film began with Joe Ehrmann, coach and former NFL player, discussing the well-known phrase of “be a man.” Experts in neuroscience, psychology, sociology, sports, education and media also contributed to the discussion of what it means to “be a man” in American society.
The Mask You Live In details the stories of several boys and young men. The film followed Ian, who spoke of his grandfather who grew up with his drill sergeant’s voice always resonating in his head. In the film, Ian says, “I never felt like I was good enough. I felt like I was always disappointing him.” He discusses his choice to play more sports, and distance himself from “all things feminine.”
Other experts offered their opinions on what certain misconceptions exist regarding masculinity. Ehrmann says that “athletic ability, economic success, and sexual conquest” are three concepts that have been associated with masculinity. Young boys are taught that to be a man, they must be athletically superior, richer, and more sexually active than their peers. Ehrmann believes these misconceptions lead to “incredibly empty, dehumanizing lives.”
Shocking statistics were presented in Mask many of which caused students in the audience to shake their heads in sadness, anger, or frustration. For instance, one in four boys are reported to be bullied, but only 30% report the incidents to adults. The average age for boys to start doing drugs is 13. One in four boys binge drink. Every day at least three boys commit suicide. The numbers continued to appear on the screen, each more shocking than the one before.
The film focused on other aspects of society that contribute to the idea that men and boys should not be emotional beings, including sports culture, addictive video-gaming, and early access to pornography. The psychologists, educators, and advocates filmed were all of the opinion that there is a serious problem exists within American culture, and without change, we will undoubtedly see an increase in crime, rape, and death.
As much as the film intends to inform the public of the monstrous and dehumanizing nature of America’s version of masculinity is, it is also a chance to illustrate how Newsom’s Representation Project is dedicated to raising a healthier generation of boys and young men.
For students who are interested in challenging limiting stereotypes so that men and women of all races, classes, ages, orientations or circumstances can be comfortable fulfilling their potential, visit therepresentationproject.org, or contact Women’s Programs for more information.
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