MCC Daily Tribune Archive

When asked “What is a typical high school guy like?," male Upward Bound students had fairly similar answers: “He only cares about sports … he doesn’t pay much attention in class … he treats girls rudely.” In an effort to see more from of our male students, AmeriCorps members Paul and Daniel have created M.A.R.K. (Men Advancing, Raising Knowledge), a men’s leadership group designed to transform high school guys into men. Seven students came to the first event, a film discussion at the MCC Brighton Campus on the documentary "The Mask You Live In." The movie explores how men are encouraged to keep their feelings hidden, to avoid intimacy with other men, and to objectify women. When the movie ended, the Upward Bound students had the opportunity to discuss the movie with other MCC professors and students. NorthEast College Prep Freshman Quintaj noted, “The movie was incredibly accurate. Society definitely tries to get guys to stuff their feelings, and it’s wrong. I’m glad we saw this together as a group.” We began discussing how we can push against this culture as a group, and we can’t wait to see how these young men begin to grow!

Thanks to professors Dina Giovanelli, Bethany Gizzi and Christine Plumeri, and AHPS, The Democracy Commitment, The Diversity Council, The Pride Alliance and Mentors in Violence Prevention at MCC for putting on the event.