Freedom ( Are MASKs a part of MASK-ulinity?) Artwork

S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Podcast

A podcast that explores a public health approach to improving the mental health of black boys while challenging the negative stereotypes associated with this demographic in the society. This is a happiness research informed creative podcast featuring discussions with professionals, changemakers and young people. It is hosted by Kay Rufai, a poet, photographer, filmmaker, playwright, mental health researcher.…he keeps himself busy with anything creative. So expect to hear interesting thoughts, discussions with professionals, change-makers and audio recordings from the young people that participated in the programme.

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S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Podcast

Freedom ( Are MASKs a part of MASK-ulinity?)

July 13, 2020 • Kay Rufai • Season 1 • Episode 12

The Twelfth episode of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Podcast that explores 1 of the 8 Pillars of Happiness - Freedom, as it pertains to Black boys navigating through the society with 'Masks' is here. In this episode, I explore the concept of 'Masks' worn by black boys in the society and how this could lead to the psychological theory of 'The Fragmented Self' as a whole,

The host, Kay Rufai ( https://www.instagram.com/universoulartist/ ) explores using his happiness research from the top 5 happiest countries ( You can download the report here; https://mailchi.mp/faddab9bb9a1/pdf-delivery ), historical and contemporary data, anecdotes and live accounts from the boys through an exercise created by Ashanti Branch exploring the concept of Masks.

This episode features audio from young black boys who have participated in the S.M.I.L.E-ing. Boys Project in the last 18 months exploring their thoughts on the masks they wear - the outward facing side nd the side they don't show, leading to interesting revelations as a result.

Read the Guardian opinion piece about Kay Rufai and his work on challenging stereotypes of Black boys in the society (https://www.theguardian.com/global/2020/mar/18/photographs-black-teenage-boys-prejudice-stereotypes )

Check out the Guardian Photo Gallery of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Project

( https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2020/mar/18/portraits-black-teenagers-south-london-mental-health )

Ashanti Branch - The Mask you live in - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jaVm7fQ4m4

The Fragmented Self - http://wgst.athabascau.ca/awards/broberts/forms/Jules.pdf

Checkout the Artist - Kay Rufai's website - www.universoulartist.com