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Throughout this paper, I will touch on culture, toxic masculinity, violence, the need to reduce the harm that is based on toxic masculinity, and the systems put in place to maintain all forms of gender-based violence that come from the different forms of hypermasculinity. With the high level of gender-based violence in our penal system, the exploration of art-based therapeutic programs emerges as a compelling avenue for fostering healing and resilience. This is an effective way to reduce recidivism and work towards ending gender-based violence in our penal system and provide the space where people can go and learn about their traumas and find positive ways to cope with them.

The creative expression in prison environments is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience amidst austere conditions. Through craft shops, intricate tattoos, and personalized gifts, incarcerated individuals demonstrate their artistic talents and reclaim elements of their humanity within the confines of correctional facilities. Not only does engaging in art elevate one’s status and foster connections among peers, but it also serves as a means of combating the dehumanizing aspects of the rigid prison system.

Through exploring toxic masculinity, I will compare my personal experiences to academic research highlighting the positive impact arts programs have on combating gender-based violence. Toxic masculinity is enhanced in carceral settings; prisons work as microcosms to exploit hypermasculinity, which denies men the opportunity to express their emotions. Arts-based programs can combat this by providing a safe space to express themselves and unlearn their internalized toxic masculinity.

Publication Date

5-2024

Keywords

Culture, Toxic Masculinity, Gender-based Violence, Hypermasculinity, Prison, Therapy through Art

Subject: LCSH

Culture, Masculinity, Gender-based violence, Prisons, Art therapy

Comments

Bard College Senior Project

Why Did I Do That For? Toxic Masculinity, Incarceration, and the Arts

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