This documentary, The Mask You Live In, is taking on a critical issue that must be addressed—help boys and young men reconstruct the definition of being a man.

Most nights as a kid, I gave my dad a hug and he told me he loved me. I think I was fortunate because my dad, a single parent, had to be Mr. Mom. He knew how to share his emotions, be strong and help us define how to be a man. I got sidetracked from his teachings in junior high and high school when I started falling for the social pressures.

Today, we live in a society that still embraces a hyper-masculine culture. It took me until my late 30s to have the confidence to speak my mind against the antiquated “Man up,” “Be a man,” “Don’t let nobody disrespect you,” mentalities.

We are made of masculine and feminine energies. To deny either one is to deny ourselves. It will take movies like this one to raise awareness for a shift to occur. The more challenging step is walking the talk. I, along with my fellow new-age men, need to speak up and call out our fellow brothers when they are resorting the old-school routines that got us to where we are today.

From the same group that created Miss Representation, this trailer and soon to be released documentary, The Mask You Live In, is a call to arms.

Only this time the arms are used for hugs and to create space for being vulnerable and strong.

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Assistant Editor: Holly Horne/Editor: Bryonie Wise

Photo: The Mask You Live In trailer