I write this from my limited perspective as a classroom teacher to a limited audience.
I have been repeatedly called a positive masculine role-model over the last 24 months of my teaching career. And been placed into a role of mentoring young lads of varying position.
The school and psychologist episodes of Adolescence ring extremely true. There is a deep frustration, horrifying profiling of young men as inherently dangerous..... You call someone a threat for long enough it will happen, but, as shown at the back end of the psychologist episode, it's through a lack of acceptance. "Do you like me?" There is a generation of young lads coming through who have nothing. No positivity, no future. So all they have is instinct. And that, in itself is not to be unchecked.
I have no answers. My work just gives me more questions on how I can help them.
But, I try what I can. Oppose overt bullying and intimidation where I see it, ensure the right atmosphere in my classroom....and value all kids who buy into the positivity and work ethic I encourage. All I can tell my classes is that I value effort and kindness, show that and I will have your back....... It seems to resonate.