This film explores what director Jennifer Siebel Newsom perceives to be harmful notions about masculinity in American culture, following boys and young men as they struggle to stay true to themselves while negotiating America’s narrow definition of masculinity. Pressured by the media, their peer group, and even the adults in their lives, they confront messages encouraging them to disconnect from their emotions, devalue authentic friendships, objectify and degrade women, and resolve conflicts through violence. These gender stereotypes interconnect with race, class, and 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 weigh in, offering empirical evidence of the “boy crisis” and tactics to combat it. “The Mask You Live In” ultimately illustrates how we, as a society, can raise a healthier generation of boys and young men.
Please join us for the film’s screening. It’s FREE and open to the public! Doors open at 5:30 P.M. The film begins at 6:00 P.M. This month, the follow up Community Conversation will immediately follow the screening. The library will be open until 9:00 PM.