What Does It Mean to Be a Boy?

On November 17, 2015, students and faculty took a break from the morning’s traditional classes to take part in special programing surrounding the issues of gender identity in social situations. Middle School students had the option of going to Program 1  and hearing visiting author Patricia Ottaviano discuss female social dynamics or Program 2 and discuss what it means to be a boy or man by watching the movie The Mask You Live In, a movie about issues of masculinity. I attended Program 2, and there were a few things that resonated with me from the day. Here are four tips for boys to remember:

  1. Be yourself. Though it sounds like something out of a Disney movie, sometimes it is important to step back and say to yourself, “Is this really what I want to do?” By this, I mean it is important to not do things just because they are “boy activities,” but do the activities because they are in YOUR interest as a person. So, if you are a boy and you have the desire to paint your nails, go ahead!
  2. If possible, cut back on the video games. Did you know that 99% of boys play video games? Many of those video games contain violent themes such as murder & guns. Psychologists think there is a connection between this and the fact that almost all mass shootings are committed by males. They think this is because from a young age, boys are exposed to these types of violence (through video games and toys) and they may get the ideas to commit these acts of terror from video games. So, try to become less addicted to your games, and be more intact with peace within yourself.
  3. Don’t let society limit you. This kind of relates to the first tip. Just because society portrays something as being “unmanly” doesn’t mean you can’t do it.
  4. Be respectful to peers who are doing different things. If you have a friend who is doing something different, respect them. If they make you feel uncomfortable, just remind yourself that is their decision, and they are being themselves.
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