The Mask You Live In

As a male born and raised in America, I really appreciate this film and its message!

It saddens me to read the negative reviews. So many people prefer to keep their "blinders" on and fail to appreciate scientific research. Some people are even labeling it as "anti-male" which is FAR from the TRUTH---this film promotes HEALTHY masculinity (beneficial to males)!

For those of you stating that the film argues American masculinity is the "ROOT CAUSE" of most of modern society's problems, you are INCORRECT! Stop thinking so dichotomously! The film illustrates how it is a CONTRIBUTING FACTOR to the issues mentioned...NOT the sole reason.

Note: Parents should watch PRIOR to showing their kids because there are a few sensitive topics (e.g., porn, mass shootings, rape)

The documentary raises some valid points, but ends up very superficial. The downfall starts with blaming of superheroes and video games. The old stereotypes from the brainwashed boy are popping up, that are refuted in a lot of studies. Sure, media has influence, but the "how" and the "how much" only implied. The study it presents is from the 70ies and 80ies and hardly representative of the present state of psychology.

As such it feels the movie pushes a narrative. Some of the interviewed people offer only anecdotal reference and some just lack any credentials for the issues they discuss. At times it feels weirdly constructed, as with the vilification of porn segment. Even Philip Zimbardo only conjures the old outsider-stereotype and an extremely bold statement like "violance against women is at epidemic proportions" is not supported by any historical figures. Questionable feminist terms like "rape culture", "entitlement" and "privilege" are thrown around.

The main topic of this film is very important and current and at times it seems the film is highlighting the right issues. But ultimately it looses itself in general attack on anything that it perceives masculine. I wish it was more subtle in the approach and better researched and balanced.

I assigned this film for a master's level ethnic conflict class. The vast majority of the (male & female, gay & straight, black, white, hispanic) appreciated how the film unpacked the pressure on men. We unconsciously buy into so many norms that serve so few people. This gave us a great way to talk about these issues.

The movie fails to touch upon the racial dynamics, which is actually a quite important dimension of the topic. For some issues, such as fraternity, it was simply mentioned like a little bit, without going any further or deeper.

It's not perfect, but it's trying. Some people say that Fight Club is a movie that every man must watch, but I think this one might be more important for every man and woman to see. And it's not just men that live in a mask. Everyone is forced to put on a mask by all the pressure from the society, family, friends. Take off your mask. Help others take off theirs. The world would be a happier place.

I will definitely watch it again.

Really great film. Really enjoyed hearing hearing men talk about their experience of growing up. It made me question the way we talk to young people. I grew up a pushy girl with a sensitive brother and now I see why neither one of us could win.