The Mask You Live In

"The Mask You Live In" follows boys and young men as they struggle to stay true to themselves while negotiating America’s narrow definition of masculinity. The film documents the journeys of several young men struggling with pressures from their family, the media, and their peer group about what it means to be a man. These messages include being encouraged to disconnect from their emotions, from their friendships and ties to community, to objectify and degrade women, and resolve conflicts through violence. These gender stereotypes intersect with race, class, and life circumstance, creating a maze of identity issues boys and young men must navigate to become “real” men.