The Brooklyn CONNECT Men's Network was founded on the idea that creating alternative masculine identities is key to cultivating better and stronger men- men who will face the challenge of addressing domestic violence in their communities. In the Network, which is currently in formation, men challenge each other to address the limitations of masculinity, and resist these stereotypes on a journey towards illuminating the commonly concealed aspects of manhood. In this way, men can work together toward more enriching and fulfilling relationships with their partners and children, and set an example in their community for accountability and alliance against family violence.

It is crucial to engage all members of a community- survivors, perpetrators, and bystanders- to create a holistic response towards eliminating domestic violence. Thus, aligning groups of male allies to address issues of masculinity is a key piece of ending violence against women and families. In this spirit, the Brooklyn CONNECT Men's Network held a community screening of Beyond Beats and Rhymes: Masculinity in Hip-Hop Culture last month to begin opening the dialogue in Brooklyn on men's roles in dealing with sexism and violence locally.

Beyond Beats and Rhymes looks at how historically positive messages so integral to Hip Hop culture continue to be overwhelmed by the mainstreaming of sexism, violence, and homophobia, and questions how this influences our communities. "The intent of the film is to question the reduced notions of Black and Latino masculinity in Hip Hop culture" says filmmaker Byron Hurt. "I wanted to draw attention to the commercialization of violence in Hip-Hop. Those [artists] who are most popular, get the most record deals and money, are the ones that perpetuate the idea that to be cool and accepted you have to be violent and tough."

A former Northeastern Quarterback turned Anti-Sexist lecturer and activist, Hurt draws his critique from years of experience conducting masculinity trainings with sports teams, fraternities, and the military. Beyond Beats and Rhymes extends a dialogue opened in his last film, I Am A Man: Black Masculinity in America, where Hurt posed questions on the meaning of black manhood in U.S. culture.

"Men are much more complex than just physical and violent beings. There is a wide range of sides within most men, yet many never tap into their emotional, vulnerable, human sides. You have to suppress a lot of your true feelings and thoughts...We see a pattern of masculine identity that's problematic; it manifests in so many ways- black men have some of the highest rates of death, hypertension, and suicide...so much pressure is placed on men [to act strong] so when we feel vulnerable or weak, we are taught to control situations and people, physically or emotionally."

Often men who express interest or emotion around traditional 'women's issues,' particularly violence against women, are seen as effeminate or weak. Byron Hurt describes masculinity as a constrictive box that silences honest emotional expression. "Being closed in the box stops you from seeking out what you want to do- but stepping out of the box is a huge risk, because your manhood is questioned. Men are afraid of talking... [about masculinity because] that means revealing all of their sides, including pain and psychic trauma. But talking about this is what gives us space to become better and stronger men."

Quentin Walcott, coordinator of the Brooklyn CONNECT Men's Network, emphasizes that discussing masculinity promotes healthier interactions for men themselves and with people they care about. "In the Network we will be talking about how men undergo relationships with women and children, their experience with fatherhood, and the evolving process of manhood. Men will begin to look at the ways gender violence hurts everyone, and strategize on what they can do to end violence against women."
-Rose Malfucci

Beyond Beats and Rhymes: Masculinity in Hip-Hop Culture has been selected for the 2006 Sundance Film festival! For more information please visit www.bhurt.com.

(c) Copyright 2006, CONNECT, All Rights Reserved.