Let's talk about boys

The Representation Project, the team behind the award-winning “Miss Representation” documentary, is gearing up for another project.

The film in question is an in-depth analysis of the mental health of young men in America. This documentary is one of the first real attempts I’ve seen in a long time to understand and appreciate the development of the young adult male in the United States.

The film, “The Mask You Live In,” argues the three most destructive words you can say to a young boy are, “Be a man.”

This phrase implies that young men must constantly prove themselves. Showing they are a “man,” according to what we have defined men to be — big, strong, not prone to emotion or sensitivity, willing to fight and unable to form attachments — is what the phrase embodies in our society.

If a boy is not given the approval he needs, if he cannot fulfill his role or if he seems in any way emotional, sensitive or anything else we have made inherently “effeminate,” he has failed in his role.

This vicious cycle can lead to health problems, violence and death.

I wrote a column a few weeks ago about the benefits of the Men Against Rape program, which teaches members of the greek community about sexual assault and
violence.

I think this film is another excellent way in which we can create a dialogue about men’s mental health. It allows us to explore the underlying causes of violence perpetrated by young men, and it helps us understand how to help and better the
problem.

Right now, the issue is very much a lack of real education and discussion.

A lot of the focus is on young women — and for good reason. But boys, it seems, are not the priority. When there is a lack of education, there is a lack of problem-solving.

The answer then becomes jail, community service or juvenile detention.

These programs and institutions, while beneficial, are easy ways out. Programs do not do the hard work right at the start, which could include mental health programs, a renewed focus on men’s health and teaching boys about how to avoid violence.

We wait until they explode and commit a crime, and then we punish them.
I hope this film begins to create an equal discussion around of both men’s and women’s health.

The two issues are equally important.

If we can begin looking at them without gender bias and sexism, we can start to tackle and hopefully change some important issues.

I’ll be keeping my eye on the Representation Project.

ewenning@indiana.edu
@EmmaWenninger