The Mask You Live In Peer Presentation Intercultural Communi

The Mask You Live Inpeer Presentationintercultural Communicationssumma

The Mask You Live In is a documentary film from 2015 directed by Jennifer Siebel Newsom that examines how societal culture and perceptions of masculinity influence boys and men today. The film questions whether our traditional definitions of masculinity are flawed and explores how cultural, social, and media influences shape male behavior and identity.

It discusses the emotional development of boys, highlighting that boys and girls initially start with similar emotional capacities. However, societal expectations regarding masculinity lead to the suppression of emotions other than anger and defiance, which are ridiculed or deemed effeminate. This emotional suppression results in frustration, anger, misbehavior, violence, poor academic performance, and reclusiveness in boys. The film also critiques male role models and the media, which often promote traits like money, power, dominance, swagger, and selfishness as indicators of masculinity. Examples include the portrayal of masculinity in sports, advertising, and media, which reinforce stereotypes such as physical prowess, emotional stoicism, and the objectification of women.

The film underscores the early exposure boys have to gender stereotypes, starting as young as preschool, where they are taught that certain toys, clothing, and behaviors are exclusively for boys, such as army men, footballs, guns, and being athletic, silent, and strong. Conversely, girls are encouraged to engage with dolls, pink clothing, and are often seen as sexual objects or trophies in media representations. The documentary also discusses the addictive nature of violent and sexual content, reinforced by hormones like dopamine, which drive a preference for violent video games and pornography, further reinforcing aggressive and hyper-masculine behaviors.

It features interviews with figures like Joe Ehrmann, a former NFL player and coach, who argues that sports alone do not build character unless guided by good coaching. The film critiques the stereotypes surrounding what is considered a "real" man, emphasizing that media generally promotes only certain emotional expressions, predominantly in the orange, red, and purple areas of emotional spectrum diagrams, while ridiculing others that suggest vulnerability or softness.

Additionally, the documentary explores the impact of family structures, noting that many boys grow up in single-parent or abusive households, which influence their understanding of masculinity. It questions whether the culture's definition of masculinity limits boys and men from exploring different facets of their identity, including empathy, emotional expression, and non-violent forms of power. Overall, the film advocates for greater self-awareness and a more balanced approach to gender roles that could foster better emotional development and healthier societal integration for boys and men.

Paper For Above instruction

The portrayal of masculinity in contemporary culture profoundly influences the development and self-perception of boys and men. "The Mask You Live In," a documentary by Jennifer Siebel Newsom, critically examines how societal constructs of masculinity affect emotional health, behavior, and societal roles of males. The film highlights that traditional American masculinity often emphasizes traits such as dominance, toughness, emotional stoicism, and physical prowess, leading to various adverse outcomes such as emotional suppression, violence, and difficulty integrating vulnerability into their identities.

One of the central themes of the documentary is the impact of societal and media influences on shaping perceptions of masculinity from an early age. Boys are socialized to adopt behaviors that conform to stereotypical male roles, such as suppressing emotions other than anger or defiance, equating femininity with weakness, and valuing traits like strength, dominance, and competitiveness. This socialization begins in childhood, where toys, clothing, and media representations reinforce gendered expectations—blue for boys, guns and army figures, and silent strength—while girls are encouraged to engage with dolls, pink, and nurturing behaviors. These early messages establish a framework that often restricts boys from expressing a full range of emotions, which has long-term consequences for emotional development.

The film emphasizes that emotional suppression driven by societal norms can lead to frustration, anger, misbehavior, violence, and social withdrawal among boys. Such behaviors are often perceived as signs of masculinity, which perpetuate cycles of aggression and emotional detachment. The media further reinforce these stereotypes through portrayals of "real men" as strong, unemotional, and dominant. While these portrayals offer limited perspectives on masculinity, they create an environment where boys risk growing into men who struggle to express vulnerability or seek help, ultimately impairing mental health.

Sports culture is also scrutinized within the film, with Joe Ehrmann arguing that sports alone do not build character unless coaches intentionally teach and model positive traits. Many boys view sports as a venue for demonstrating toughness and dominance, which can sometimes translate into aggressive behavior off the field. Additionally, peer pressure, alpha-male hierarchies, bullying, and group shaming intensify the pressure on boys to conform to rigid stereotypes, leading to exclusion and shame for those who deviate from normative behavior.

The influence of family and home environment plays a significant role as well. Many boys grow up in single-parent households or homes with absent male figures, which can limit their understanding of diverse masculinity and emotional expression. The documentary indicates that such environments, coupled with exposure to violence or abusive relationships, reinforce harmful stereotypes and hinder healthy emotional development.

Biological factors, such as hormones like dopamine, are also discussed as silent drivers of certain behaviors. The heightened attraction to violence and sexual content, reinforced by hormones, can become addictive, shaping boys' preferences for violent video games and pornography. Society's encouragement of acknowledging and discussing emotions is often limited to certain expressions, primarily anger or stoicism, while other emotions like sadness or vulnerability are ridiculed or stigmatized.

The cultural definition of masculinity not only influences individual behavior but also perpetuates societal issues such as gender inequality, violence, and mental health crises among men. The film advocates for a shift toward a more inclusive and flexible understanding of masculinity—one that allows boys and men to explore different aspects of their identities, including empathy, vulnerability, and emotional literacy. Such a transformation could foster healthier relationships, reduce violence, and improve mental health outcomes.

However, the documentary falls short of providing concrete solutions or strategies for effectuating these cultural shifts. While it emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and more balanced gender roles, it leaves the audience questioning how to implement this change at the societal and individual levels. Moving forward, educators, media creators, parents, and coaches must collaborate to redefine what it means to be a man, emphasizing qualities like kindness, emotional intelligence, and resilience rather than dominance and stoicism.

In conclusion, the depiction of masculinity in American culture often deprives boys and men of the opportunity to develop holistic and authentic identities. "The Mask You Live In" invites viewers to reconsider traditional gender roles and advocates for a societal paradigm shift that nurtures emotional well-being and diversity in male identities. Addressing the harmful stereotypes perpetuated by media and cultural norms is essential for fostering healthier, more empathetic individuals and a more equitable society.

References

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