Men, particularly men of color, often face significant mental health challenges stemming from trauma and burdens placed upon them by societal expectations and systemic issues. Despite progress with online platforms and community gatherings, mental health remains a critical area needing increased attention and support.
Jared Polite, founder and artistic director of the NYC-based global collective, Melanin Mosaic Performance Ensemble, champions art as a means of healing and connection. His work pushes creative boundaries through movement, film, and live performance, focusing on community, culture, personal storytelling, social commentary, and mental health awareness. Melanin Mosaic aims to showcase Black excellence in marching arts and provide a space for adults who missed participating but couldn’t for various reasons. It explores how marching arts can be a powerful avenue for self-expression and healing beyond competitive settings.
Societal Expectations and Their Impact: Men are often defined by a checklist of traits such as strength, emotional suppression, and being the breadwinner. These rigid definitions limit their ability to express themselves authentically. It’s crucial to remember that everyone is an individual, not a checklist, and labels can be restrictive and harmful. These expectations often lead to suppressed emotions and difficulties seeking help.
Silence as a Coping Mechanism: Many men use silence to cope with stress and trauma due to the stigma around expressing vulnerability. Society often teaches men to "fix the problem" and "not complain," leading to suppressed emotions. While silence might seem like a simple solution, it can often mask deeper issues that need to be addressed.
Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms: Social media is a primary unhealthy outlet where people often air problems and face criticism rather than support. This can lead to further isolation and reinforce a facade of happiness. The curated nature of social media often creates unrealistic expectations and can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy.
Managing Emotions Effectively: Simple activities like walking a dog with music or spending time in the studio creating can be effective ways to manage emotions. These moments provide a break from daily stressors and allow for self-expression. Finding healthy outlets for stress and emotions is essential for maintaining mental well-being.
Dance as a Tool for Healing: Dance and movement can be powerful tools for emotional release. Engaging with music and movement helps individuals express and process their feelings. Guided dance therapy could be beneficial for deeper exploration and healing, providing a safe space to explore emotions physically.
Storytelling and Cultural Expression: Melanin Mosaic brings the stories of the African diaspora and BIPOC communities to life through performances. This storytelling can resonate deeply with individuals and provide a platform for shared experiences and healing. Sharing stories creates a sense of community and validates individual experiences.
Addressing Mental Health in Marching Arts: There is a growing need to address mental health issues within the marching arts community. Collaborating with organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) can help create support systems for instructors and performers. Acknowledging the historical challenges and traumas within the marching arts is crucial to fostering a healthier, more supportive environment.
Practical Steps for Mental Health Awareness:
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Take Inventory of Your Own Mental Health: Ask yourself how you're truly doing beyond just saying "fine." Utilize resources like NAMI’s website (nami.org) for support and information.
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Remember Others Are Struggling Too: Be mindful of those around you and understand they may be dealing with their own mental health issues. Simple gestures like asking how they are and being genuinely willing to listen can make a significant difference.
Connect with Melanin Mosaic:
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Website: melaninmosaicpe.com
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Social Media (Insta/Facebook/TT): @melaninmosaicpe
Art, particularly dance, serves as a vital means of expression and healing. Jared Polite's work with Melanin Mosaic makes a significant impact, fostering a community where stories are shared and mental health is prioritized.
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