December 9, 2020

Masculinity in Sports

Masculinity as it relates to sports has become a growing point of discussion in today's society. The Triton Undergraduate Men Pursuing Higher education (TRIUMPH) Program has partnered with Pillars Community Health for the Healthy Masculinity Campus Athletics Project – a discussion on masculinity, sports and social justice. Pillars Community Health is an organization whose mission is to “provide health, social, and educational services to build strong, healthy communities.” The first set of discussions took place Nov. 11-12, with more scheduled for the future.

The discussions are aimed at breaking down what traditional masculinity looks like and how it affects men’s perception of the world around them. The first discussion, titled The Man Box, is a workshop that “gives different perspectives on masculinity, gender stereotypes and how people view gender roles in relationships,” according to Kevyn Porter, Student Success Advisor for the TRIUMPH Program.

The presenter begins by drawing a box on the shared screen, then asks the participants what they think of as normal masculine behavior. He puts what is traditionally seen as masculine inside the box and what is un-masculine outside the box. He then explains how these masculine traits can limit men and “box” them in. “This Man Box workshop works to bring the realization that men don't have to live up to the stereotypes that society places on us,” says Porter.

The next discussion, Strongest Man, features Reggie Walker, former NFL player, and talks about masculinity and social justice reform from the perspective of a former NFL star. There are discussions scheduled through the end of the spring 2021 semester. See below for the current schedule. For more information, you can contact Kevyn Porter at (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3092, or kevynporter@triton.edu. You can contact the TRIUMPH office at triumphprogram@triton.edu.

Real Man – Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Strongest Man – Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2:30-3:30 p.m. and Thursday, Dec. 10, 1-2 p.m.; Features former NFL player Reggie Walker.

Describing Healthy Masculinity – Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021, 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Risk Reduction and Racism – Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021, 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Building Emotional Intelligence and Empathy – Wednesday, March 10, 2021, 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Continuum of Harm to Women and Men – Wednesday, April 14, 2021, 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Bystander Intervention Role Play – Wednesday, May 12, 2021, 2:30-3:30 p.m.