The Mask You Live In: boys and men are harmed in the patriarchy too

From the article about the film on Alternet:

“Man-up!” “Stop crying!” “Pick yourself up!” Don’t be a pussy!” “Stop with the emotion!” “Don’t let anyone disrespect you.” “Bros before hoes.” “Get laid!” “Don’t let a woman run your life.” “Grow some balls!” “Man-Up!”

These expressions are amongst the most damaging phrases we say to our young boys on a daily basis, according to a new hard-hitting documentary exploring American masculinity in society, Upworthy [3] reported.

“The Mask You Live In” by The Representation Project [4] explains how the way we have constructed the idea of masculinity in the United States doesn’t give young boys a way to feel secure in their masculinity, so instead, they are forced to go out and prove it.

Consequently, as young boys enter into adulthood, they end up missing out on what they actually want: closeness. (read more)