September 1999

Published by Children Now, this 24-page report summarises the presentatons and findings from the Sixth Annual Children & the Media Conference.

From the Publisher
"The panels were organized around three themes. 'Breaking the Boy Code' addressed media representations of men's emotions and their relationships. 'Boy Meets World' considered how the media portrays masculine success and reinforces masculine ideals and values. 'Must Boys be Boys?' entered the provocative arena of action, adventure, and aggression, and explored the potential for such a genre without violence. The discussions which emerged from these panels are summarized in this report through classic masculine icons -- The Joker, The Jock, The Strong Silent Type, The Big Shot, and The Action Hero. Additionally, the ideas and concerns from a panel of thoughtful young people from the Los Angeles area brought important insights to the conference.

Threaded throughout this report is the clear understanding that the media is not to blame for the troubling status of boys today, but does indeed reinforce society's notions about manliness and masculinity. Many media leaders who participated recognized that subtle and unexamined links between media messages and the healthy development of boys offer a challenge and an opportunity. The media can broaden the images and messages that define masculinity. The media can offer excitement and adventure without violence. The media can expand the job description of 'hero.' The media can influence the life script for a generation of American boys."

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