The Reason We Keep Talking About Miles Morales

11/20/24 • 36 min

This week on Breaking the Boy Code, we continue our discussion on the power of representation in the media and on screen. Betsa, Siddig, Aksayan and Yoel explore the impact of seeing themselves in characters like Miles Morales, Naruto, and Will Smith's iconic Fresh Prince. From the startlingly low percentage of BIPOC characters in children’s books to the increase in lead roles of color in films, it’s evident that while progress is being made, there’s still a long way to go.

The takeaway? Representation matters. It fuels dreams, builds confidence, and shows young people the heights they can achieve.

SOURCES

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, What’s Up Danger →

The Opportunity Agenda, Media Portrayals and Black Male Outcomes →

CONNECT

Breaking the Boy Code is part of the NGM Podcast Network. Next Gen Men is a nonprofit organization dedicated to engaging boys and men in the movement for gender justice. Learn more about our efforts and how you can support us at nextgenmen.ca. Reach out at [email protected] or on social media.

@boypodcast on Instagram, YouTube and Vimeo
@nextgenmen on Instagram and LinkedIn

The takeaway? Representation matters. It fuels dreams, builds confidence, and shows young people the heights they can achieve.

SOURCES

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, What’s Up Danger →

The Opportunity Agenda, Media Portrayals and Black Male Outcomes →

CONNECT

@boypodcast on Instagram, YouTube and Vimeo
@nextgenmen on Instagram and LinkedIn

Previous Episode

The Importance of BIPOC Representation for Boys

Whether it’s TikTok or Fortnite or the MCU, you can’t talk with preteen boys without talking about media. This week with Betsa, Siddig, Aksayan and Yoel, we discuss the damaging stereotypes in media, the need for more authentic stories, and the powerful impact of seeing oneself reflected on screen and in the media.

The boys share firsthand accounts of how these representations affect their lives and their desires for the future. We also touch on some heartfelt personal stories, illuminating why visibility and accurate portrayal in the media are more important than ever.

SOURCES

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, What’s Up Danger →

The Opportunity Agenda, Media Portrayals and Black Male Outcomes →

CONNECT

@boypodcast on Instagram, YouTube and Vimeo
@nextgenmen on Instagram and LinkedIn

Next Episode

The Ways Boys Experience Cultural Community

Before this session, my friend and past colleague Adrian and I played around with the Skills Assessment tool developed by The Umbrella Project—ultimately adding two categories called ‘resistance’ and ‘culture’ to discuss with our group of seventh- and eighth-grade boys of colour.

In this episode, we unpack some of the complexities boys face in cultural communities and staying authentic. Siddig stresses the importance of self-compassion and being true to oneself, and Adrian shares candid thoughts on the difficulties of expressing emotions and the vital role of support systems.

We explore the significance of community in overcoming daily challenges and systemic barriers, debate kindness versus respect, and discuss adopting a growth mindset for personal development.