Educating High School Black Males From Within the #MeToo Movement

• In Event: Visual and Audio-Based Media as a Research Technique to Explore Issues of Equity and Social Justice

Abstract

The education of Black male high school students is presently occurring in the context of the #MeToo Movement. Recent reports of inappropriate sexual conduct by high profile men, including Black men, such as Bill Cosby, Tavis Smiley, Russell Simmons, R. Kelly, and Morgan Freeman, has generated heightened awareness, confusion, anxiety, and ambivalence among Black males; uncertain about what behavior is acceptable toward girls and women and related consequences of such behavior. In high school, when identity and interpersonal relationship skills are still relatively early in development, this apparent ambiguity potentially interferes with learning processes that can undermine educational equity for Black males. A transformative approach to school counseling intentionally supports Black male high school students by identifying appropriate evidence-based curricula that align with the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success (ASCA, 2019).

The purpose of this mixed-methods documentary intervention research study (DIRS) was to assess the impact of MY MASCULINITY HELPS (MMH) on Black male high school students in reducing rape myth acceptance and affirming active bystander attitudes and behaviors. MMH is a short educational documentary that explores the role of Black men and boys in the prevention of sexual violence. Findings suggest participants developed a more accurate understanding of consent and sexual assault, as well as more affirmative attitudes toward active bystander behavior, such as helping someone who has been sexually assaulted or wanting to engage in prevention strategies. Implications for professional school counselors using the ASCA National Model are provided.

Author

• Marc Grimmett