Hegemonic Masculinity: Film Analysis

a) The film argues that the major issues and problems created by masculinity occur by telling young boys to “be a man”, and using a “hegemonic” definition to define masculinity. While the film does not focus on the definition of hegemonic masculinity, the masculinity they describe is very much hegemonic in nature. The film describes hyper-masculinity that is defined by domination and aggression. The film focuses on the “mask” of masculinity, which requires boys to hide their true selves, and instead, put up the front of hegemonic masculinity. The film tries to demonstrate that if we let boys express themselves – their feelings, their fears, their issues- they would be healthier humans. The film explains that all the gender issues that

Hearing the various different questions, and having to make a few questions myself, that connected the readings to the film helped me see more connections that weren’t initially there after only having watched the film. Having Connell’s definition of hegemonic masculinity helped me place the hegemonic characteristics the film describes but does not define, into the discussion in order to better focus on more specific theory rather than simply on broader ideas presented in the movie. This more defined definition helped me place the issues described in the film into theory that explains how these issues come about, and how we can better

However, they do present the different issues. First, the film focuses on the general similarities among young boys, such as the ones discussed in part 4a). In this way, the film suggests that masculinity is constructed in a very similar way across racialized groups. The film explains that this occurs due to the influence of media that creates the definition of masculinity that is dominant, violent, and unemotional. The way that the film introduces racial differences occurs through the personal accounts of the various interviewees. For example, Luis, the teenaged, Latino boy, describes his experience of joining and being a part of a gang. Then, Ashanti Branch describes the neighbourhood where he works as a teacher as a “war zone” due to the high level of prostitution and gang activity occurring very near the school. The depicted young boys Branch works with are racialized young men. He explains to the boys the importance of having a safe place to talk about the pain and anger they hide behind their masks, so they do not end up another man in jail simply because they exploded on the wrong person. It is common knowledge that there are racialized issues within the penal system both in America and Canada, but the film does not go on to explain these differences. Therefore, because the film does not represent racial differences overtly, in a way, they