Educating High School Black Males From Within the #MeToo Movement

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, have generated heightened awareness, confusion, anxiety, and ambivalence among Black males regarding 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, helping to undermine educational equity for Black males. With this mixed-methods documentary intervention research study, we assessed the impact of the short, educational documentary My Masculinity Helps (MMH) on Black male high school students in reducing rape myth acceptance and affirming active bystander attitudes and behaviors. MMH explores the role of Black men and boys in the prevention of sexual violence. Findings suggest that participants developed a more accurate understanding of consent and sexual assault, and more affirmative attitudes toward active bystander behavior, such as helping someone who has been sexually assaulted or wanting to engage in prevention strategies. We provide implications for school counselors using the American School Counselor Association National Model.