Mask You Live in, the

The Mask You Live In (MASK) explores how our culture’s narrow definition of masculinity is harming our boys, men, and society at large and unveils what we can do about it.

Compared to girls, research shows that boys in the U.S. are more likely to be diagnosed with a behavior disorder, prescribed stimulant medications, fail out of school, binge drink, commit a violent crime, and/or take their own lives.

From a young age, we teach our boys to “cut off their hearts from their heads,” and to devalue authentic relationships with themselves and with others. We encourage them to compete, form hierarchies, and utilize aggression, regardless of the cost. Empathy, emotion, and compassion are considered signs of weakness, and to be a man is to be independent, stoic and in control. When boys fail to prove their masculinity and adhere to this rigid code of conduct, they are shamed and policed. Because we as a society have failed to recognize and address the social and emotional needs of our boys, we see a nation of young men who navigate adversity and conflict with an incomplete emotional skill set. As a consequence, they experience anxiety and isolation, and act out through risk-taking and/or violent behavior.

The Mask You Live In asks: As a society, how are we failing our boys? MASK looks at the sociological implications of the phrase “Be A Man” and how it plays out throughout a boy’s life. The film examines how boys are influenced by parenting, our education system, sports culture, and mass media – especially violent video games and pornography -- and how gender stereotypes are interconnected with race, class, and circumstance.  Of particular importance to the film is unveiling the long-term, negative impact of "American masculinity" on the mental and emotional well-being of male youth.