Hollywood Popular Artists

Jul 17th 2013, 15:00, by Joey Parker

When we are born into this world, we immediately begin to have our identities molded by society. Blue for boys; pink for girls; Barbies for girls; GI Joes for boys, etc. But is that really how it should be? In a brand-new documentary, Jennifer Siebel Newsom takes a look at male gender stereotypes and the pressures we face.

"The Mask You Live In" was inspired by Jennifer's travels, as well as the birth of her own son. The preview of the film explains how societal gender stereotypes are causing men to hide their emotions and bury their problems  instead of expressing them and being open and honest. The preview reveals:

"Our society's failure to recognize and care for the social and emotional well-being of our boys contributes to a nation of young men who navigate adversity and conflict with an incomplete emotional skill set. Whether boys and later men have chosen to resist or conform to this masculine norm, there is loneliness, anxiety, and pain."

Not expressing your authentic self will only mask the pain and hinder you from growing into the person you are meant to be. The documentary highlights the issues that our generation faces pertaining to these tired gender stereotypes. Poor grades in school and violent acting out are both issues that the documentary links to the problems of preconceived notions of masculinity.

The film hasn't been completed yet, and Jennifer has launched a Kickstarter page to help her get it finished!

Follow the action links below to contribute to the film and learn more about mental health issues.

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