ASPIRE NEW YORK
THE CAMPAIGN FOR
ASPIRATIONAL MASCULINITY
ASPIRATIONAL MASCULINITY
Aspirational Masculinity is the philosophical approach to engaging boys and men in a positive and deliberate examination of male identity and the relationships and behaviors of and between boys and men. The approach, is rooted in the work to end men’s violence against women and focused on the outcomes we want and hope for boys and men. Aspirational Masculinity is part of the ASPIRE model of positive and sustainable engagement of the social ecosystem that includes schools, workplace and community organizations.
WHAT IS ASPIRE NEW YORK
In the global work to engage boys and men on critical issues effected and impacted by traditional understandings of masculinity, the Aspirational Masculinity model is “what’s next;” a clear and sustainable approach that affirms the authentic wholeness of masculinity. ASPIRE NEW YORK is the platform that applies the positive approach of Aspirational Masculinity, using common language across the social ecosystem that enables all boys and men to aspire to living in AWE (Authentic, Whole and Evolving).
"Your concept of aspirational masculinity is empowering in that it encourages education and awareness about the ways in which we as men can be champions of love and positivity in our relationships. Your message resonated with our team and has helped foster some genuinely productive conversations in our locker room.”
Timmy Galamaga, College Football Student-Athlete, Bowdoin College
Bringing Aspirational Masculinity into the home
“We need to stop only asking boys and men to make space for others and instead ask men to make new spaces for themselves that aren’t confined to the narrow definitions of masculinity,”
— Don McPherson
ASPIRATIONAL MASCULINITY
“In most life endeavors, we work and train to attain excellence, not just competency or victories; in sports and academics, we work towards excellence, not the prevention of failure. Nor do we train for victory by a discernable margin but mastery of a discipline or performance. We must apply the same vigor for excellence when considering the ideology of masculinity.“
Don McPherson, You Throw Like a Girl: The Blind Spot of Masculinity
Aspirational Masculinity is…
The philosophical approach to engaging men in a positive and deliberate examination of male identity, the relationships and behaviors of and between boys and men and, is focused on fostering a broader understanding of being male that includes empathy, vulnerability and emotional honesty around critical issues impacting relationships, sexual behavior and personal growth.
Positive
Aspirational Masculinity focuses on what we want and hope FOR boys and men and promotes the positive and intentional examination and pursuit of authentic and whole male identity.
Deliberate
Aspirational Masculinity recognizes the roots of examining men’s behavior in the work to end men’s violence against women. The approach is deliberate and honest while confronting the narrow expectations of male identity and the impact of language, culture and other social influences such as pornography on attitudes and behaviors.
Relationships
Aspirational Masculinity prioritizes “relationships” with and among men in their influential affinity groups. The dynamics within affinity groups such as athletic teams, fraternities and corporate board rooms must become a positive and affirming influence on what we want for men.
“I want men to be freed from the dogma of narrow masculinity and, freed by the ability to live in their (authentic) wholeness”
Don McPherson, You Throw Like a Girl: The Blind Spot of Masculinity (THE FILM)
