as men,
we’ve been told
we have to follow
the script.
Don’t stand out.
Don’t show emotion.
Don’t get soft.
Don’t lean on others.
Don’t speak up.
The script tells us to hide our true selves.
Put on a performance. Keep our guard up. Stand alone. Prove our worth through muscles, money, and body counts. Dominate others to get respect.
It tells us the type of hobbies or jobs we can have. The type of clothing we can wear. Who we can love and who we can’t.
The script tells us how we should live our lives.
What if you lived your life, not based on an old script someone else wrote for you, but on your terms?
How would your life change if you were part of a community that truly saw you, accepted you, and rooted for you?
How would it feel if you were part of a brotherhood where men are free to show emotion, explore their interests, be real with one another, lead with compassion, and work together to end violence?
It’s time for us to tell our real stories. It’s time to decide how our generation defines being a man. It’s time to live Unscripted.
Have questions or want to get involved? We’d love to hear from you!
📧 EngagingMen@FuturesWithoutViolence.org
The signature national campaign of CATAPULT: Campus Action for Healthy Manhood, an initiative by Futures Without Violence