Masculinity – Men & Boys – Beyond Stereotypes – Cultural Transformation – IMOW
Author: Womens UN Report Network
Date: July 22, 2005
WUNRN
International Museum of Women –
IMOW
GUEST CURATOR – JENNIFER SIEBEL
NEWSOM – THE REPRESENTATION PROJECT
MASCULINITY – MEN & BOYS
– BEYOND STEREOTYPES TO CULTURAL TRANSFORMATION
I have learned
that the concept of survival as it relates to masculinity is one that
reoccurs across cultures and individual experiences. Atem Ajek’s story of
survival and commitment to reconnecting with his family in the wake of the
Sudanese Civil War represents a touching and emotional narrative about global
masculinity and the need for men to use their voices to be forces for
justice. Go
to the selection >>
The
Male Breadwinner Model – How a 19th Century Theory Limits Women’s Economic
Opportunities
Karen Offen’s
article The Male Breadwinner Model – How a 19th Century Theory Limits Women’s
Economic Opportunities exposes how a gendered division of labor contributes
to the devaluing of women’s work, both in and out of the home, and that this
mentality is detrimental to the advancement of our society as a whole. When
mothers suffer, we all suffer. Go to
the selection >>
This article
offers an important perspective to the conversation about shifting gender
roles. It examines the idea of partnership and work/life balance from a
historical, and sociological lens. The article points out that in American
culture today, the question of what it means to be a father is changing. It
is vital for men to have a forum to discuss their shifting cultural
identities in caregiving. Go to the
selection >>
Man
and Father
In discussing his
short film, Dutch filmmaker Pelle Koornstra explores the idea that though
“Mothers have a wide array of media outlets in which to express their views
[as parents], The father’s point of view, is under-represented…” Through this
short film and his related work, Koornstra provides an avenue for men and
fathers to discuss their changing roles in their families. Go
to the selection >>
At The
Representation Project we champion positive male role models who stand up
against harmful cultural norms and lead by example. Through his participation
in a men’s group with Project Kirumara, Hatungimana Sylvestre not only
challenged and changed gender dynamics in his own family, but he took a step
toward positive change for his entire Burundi
culture. Go to the
selection>>
How
Does Dad Inspire You
This selection is
special to me because our organization created it when we were still named MissRepresentation.org. We created
this video to celebrate fathers who empower their daughters to transcend the
limiting labels of the media and a culture that undervalues women. Now, as
The Representation Project, our organization continues to honor dads who
challenge gender norms. Go
to the selection >>
This study from
the Global Hunger Index provides evidence of an indisputable link between
high rates of hunger and gender inequity, citing that “addressing gender
inequalities is crucial to reducing hunger”. This analysis of the Global
Hunger Index and the Gender Gap Index provides critical evidence as to why
gender parity is a human rights issue. Go to
the selection >>
Mr.
Mom
This short film
addresses some very important and timely themes related to shifting cultural
gender roles and parenting. Mr. Mom illustrates many of the issues
faced by households with two parents working outside of the home. One
important aspect is how different corporate benefit structures, such as paid
parental leave, can impact a family. Go to the selection
>>
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Life
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The
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Hero:
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What
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Curator’s
Statement: Jennifer Siebel Newsom on Masculinity
My first film, Miss Representation, exposes how mainstream media
contributes to the underrepresentation of women in positions of power and
influence in America
and challenges the media’s limited portrayal of what it means to be a powerful
woman. The film grew into a movement, now called The Representation Project,
and has been seen by millions since its 2011 release, in addition to releasing
an education curriculum that is now in thousands of schools across the globe.
Yet as I traveled the world to speak, from San Francisco
to Singapore, I
often heard the same refrain afterwards: “What about our boys? Isn’t there a
boys crisis going on?” As the mother of three, one of whom is a gentle yet
physical little boy named Hunter, I wanted to know more about where their questions
were coming from. Even with all of our success, I knew that in Miss
Representation, we were only telling part of the story – we couldn’t move
toward real cultural change without also exposing and challenging the damaging
masculinity narrative fed to our boys and men.
Thus, in 2014, we will release The Mask You Live In, a documentary
that explores American masculinity and asks how we as a society are failing
boys in America.
Watch
our trailer!
These selections are meant to highlight individuals around the world
challenging a gender binary that limits and hurts us all. I’m particularly
excited about spotlighting diverse examples of strength for men and boys –
whether it be through bravery, empathy, or patience – which are so rarely
celebrated. The work here reflects The Representation Project’s global mission
to expose injustices created by gender stereotypes, shifting people’s
consciousness towards change and ultimately transforming culture so everyone,
regardless of gender, race, class, age, sexual orientation, or circumstance can
fulfill their potential.
Categories: Releases
