After more than 25 years researching men's issues I have come to the conclusion that masculinity has no race. I recognize how the media does an irresponsible job perpetuating the stereotype that we (black men) are somehow different than other races, but setting that obvious challenge aside the key as I see it is to redefine masculinity. This means that we recognize the changing roles of masculinity and support and empower men to embrace these changing roles. As women continue to make strides in society (more women in the workforce for the first time in this country's history, more women graduating college, both black and white women) men are faced with new roles (being stay at home dads, making less money than women) that are redefining what it means to be a man in today's ever-changing world. Few men are courageous enough to engage in this conversation.
In regards to the white man on the cover and white people in the video, the images reflect the changing dynamics of men and unfortunately there are very few graphics featuring men of color, so it wasn't an exclusion, it was a matter of available images to convey my message. The response to this indicates that the true message of the book has been missed because it isn't about race. Very few men are willing to address the emotional aspect of his well being and can not identify with what the cover graphic represents. The key to our success especially as men of color is to be able to have the emotional vocabulary that allows us to create authentic connections and relationships. This has nothing to do with our race, it has everything to do with our ability to "feel" and express those feelings openly and honestly. Vulnerability, connection and authenticity are the bedrock of great relationships and if we are unwilling to learn this then we will never see the eradication of the vast majority of the challenges facing our communities.
The real challenge is getting men of color to have the courage to not only read books about personal development, but to be willing to make the emotional, intellectual, psychological and spiritual investment in his own personal growth and development to support him in living an extraordinary life.
I have written books targeted specifically to men of color and have even developed an online personal development resource for them if they are ready to engage in the personal growth and development process. Find it here: www.bmracademy.com
Unfortunately, very few men of color are willing to look within to change their minds and hearts to become better men. And yet I continue to write and inspire the men who are ready.
Coach Michael Taylor