resonance

Thank You!

The winners of the PSN Resonance 2015 was Vasant Valley School, Vasant Kunj who bagged the final trophy! We congratulate you and all the other winners; it was a great success only because of your skills and time.

Pathways School Noida thanks all the visitor schools, teachers and guest judges who invested their creative skills and time to open up new perceptions about the issue of masculinity. Resonance has been an eye-opener for many of us as it has changed the way we look at men and the dilemmas they go through; from the pressurising responsibilities, misconceptions and victimisation. Pathways is proud that it could act as a medium to address this social issue which is why we would love to see you next year too to address a new issue, a new cause.

Double Digest

Alter Ego

Getting into the character

We often hear the phrase: “All men are the same”. This phrase is mostly used by an exasperated woman but the fact is that NOT all men are the same. JUST ENOUGH men are considered to be the “same” in order for society to generalize the view it has on “masculinity”. Society has painted an image into everyone’s minds- an image of what a man should actually be. The inner man in some men, hence, is unable to come out simply because society ridicules such a person.

This was the basis of alter ego: Literature is a platform where everything can be expressed freely. Different characters represent masculinity differently. Keeping this in mind, the participants had to choose two literary characters who represented contrasting images of masculinity.

For Arigna (from DPS Noida), this was a privilege since he felt honored talking about two iconic characters on stage for a period of five minutes. He also admitted being petrified since it was his first time doing such a thing on stage- but he had nothing to fear since his display ended with a resounding round of applause.

Our esteemed judges Ms. Sanyukta and Ms. Ira Pande were very impressed with our participants. “We are enjoying this event”, they said. “The opposition of two characters is allowing the participants (and audience) to move towards a clearer understanding of masculinity”.

This event was unique since the participants could choose and compare characters from completely different time frames. There was a comparison between Tony Stark and Hamlet. Many such comparisons took place and this kept the event interesting-since the audience didn’t know what which feature would be compared next.

Keeping all of this in a mind, the Alter Ego event was carried out effectively and left the audience with many things to think about.

Showtime!

Movie Screening 

“Masculinity now includes femininity as a part of it too- each woman is almost as masculine as she is feminine, and each man is almost as feminine as he is masculine. We must look at masculinity in this complete, wholesome manner”, said the renowned filmmakers, Iram and Reshma, who Pathways was honored to have as judges for the film making competition in Resonance 2015. The competition started with a roomful of buzzing filmmakers, none prepared for what a powerful message each movie would convey. A recurring theme, nearly every film talked about how suppressed men feel by standards and society coerced upon them- demanding them to be self-reliant, driven, and brave when they’re scared and emotionally stoic.

Eager to define “masculinity redefined”, as termed by The Shri Ram School, Aravali, the films posed questions of whether masculinity is defined by how one looks or thinks, whether it is created biologically or socially and whether masculinity is seen in a man who is physically strong or emotionally strong. Should men have to don masks every morning, or be free to be who they are? We say society is evolving, but is it really? Interestingly, the character of Superman has grown to be more muscled and is the epitome of a “real” man, as stated by Shiv Nadar. Pathways Gurgaon, too, went a step further, analyzing why is it that men feel the need to act aggressively and they came to the conclusion that it is because they feel it is the only way society allows them to express emotion.

Each movie also enthusiastically encouraged rights of men; Pathways Gurgaon talked about allowing men’s “tears to flow freely”, other films urged men to be themselves- to be “the man”, the non stereotypical one that allows men to be themselves rather than “that man”, who is the stereotypical “real” man. Each and every film deeply explored the idea of masculinity, leaving the students with an ample amount of thought to mull over.

Let’s Talk!

The Panel Discussion

Resonance 2015 started off with the first event, the Panel Discussion, which was an exploration of Masculinity and its roots in our society. The discussion aimed at allowing panelists along with the audience present, an opportunity to delve into the theme of Masculinity, its meaning, its impositions and pressures on men and its origin in society through historical times.

Moderated by Ms. Smita Bhattacharya and Radhika Sharma, the discussion took off with talks on what masculinity really meant to the panelists with the students giving diverse, well informed and impressive perspectives. The panelists were not hesitant in disagreeing or proposing new ideas which added to the discussion and made it one which explored both sides of the argument. With various students pointing out the idea of masculinity being a social construct, one which is imposed over time through social conditioning and psychological conditioning. In addition to this idea, panelists poured in on the historical evolution of Masculinity and how the perception of the same has been influenced by various external agents such as media and education.

Lastly, there was an insightful discussion on the pressures and expectations of masculinity and how these stereotypical expectations confine men to a certain standard of being instead of allowing them to be different. In conclusion, the panelists and audience alike, came to the understanding that Masculinity is a concept that is rife with tensions and inconsistencies that are too complex to be taken simplistically; it’s a social phenomenon that cannot be solved at the click of a button and is something that we all must try and change over time.

An Eye-Opening Start to the Festival

The Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony started off with the guest speaker, Mr. Rahul Roy delivering a speech on masculinity and its impact on a man’s surroundings and society, most commonly in the form of violence and power. The opening ceremony of Pathways School Noida’s Resonance 2015 continued with a profound set of statements, based on masculinity that were exchanged between the students and the guest speaker. His statements highlighted the various surroundings and environments that demand a man to exhibit the different traits of himself which include being tough, approachable, protecting and powerful. Mr. Roy’s views formed many questions in the minds of the students which were entertained by him in a good spirit. These questions were as diverse as the audience of students who came from different schools.

Being an individual who was extensively engaged in depicting masculinity through different means of media like films and books, Mr. Rahul Roy delivered an unforgettable speech which had a strong impact on the students. He increased the span of our knowledge on masculinity due to a deep evaluation of its symptoms and the concept itself.  The balanced arguments in Mr. Rahul Roy’s speech further strengthened its impact on the young audience and played a significant role in clearing the mental cobwebs of masculinity among individuals, especially among the students and the teachers. Finally Mr. Rao ended his speech by stating the role of masculinity that creates a ‘sense of entitlement and power’ for the male gender, leaving the audience with a profound thought to ponder on.

Mr. Rahul Roy, Guest Speaker – Enlightens The Gathering

Mr. Raul Roy

Resonance 2015 welcomed Mr. Rahul Roy, a famous filmmaker and author as the guest speaker. Mr. Roy is a seasoned individual whose work has revolved around the study of masculinity, communalism and labor. Recently, his graphic book on masculinities titled ‘A Little Book on Men’, was published by Yoda Press.

We the students of Pathways School, Noida, thank Mr. Roy for coming and speaking about Masculinity, it’s roots and what it entails and imposes upon an individual in the society. His words have been immensely illuminating.

Sneak Peek – Students from Shiv Nadar

The Participants of Shiv Nadar

Q.1 What motivated you to take part in Resonance 2015?
The primary focus is to get a wider comprehension of the topic along with some competition so that we gain some experience.

Q.2 What is your opinion of masculinity and what is it to you?
I think that it is a character trait which is very stereotypical. I believe that masculinity is underrated and it should be discussed to bring men and women at equal levels.

We are glad that the students from Shiv Nadar along with the other talented, motivated and driven young people have become a part of Pathways School Noida’s annual festival Resonance 2015. We hope this festival enlightens them and brings new perspectives to them regarding ‘Masculinity’.