WUNRN

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International Museum of Women - IMOW

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GUEST CURATOR - JENNIFER SIEBEL NEWSOM - THE REPRESENTATION PROJECT

MASCULINITY - MEN & BOYS - BEYOND STEREOTYPES TO CULTURAL TRANSFORMATION

Life is Good 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 >>
The Daddy Shift 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 >>
Hero: Hatungimana Sylvestre 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 >>
What Does Gender Have to Do with Hunger 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 >>

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.