humankind is an organization that is aiming to help young boys learn about themselves and how that can help them navigate the world, in order to create a standard for our future men to be more empathetic, emotional and sensible human beings to create a better tomorrow for all people.
What is our mission?
We want to help young boys reject the masculine stereotypes and toxic masculinity that have become the perceived norm for boys to follow as shown through the information they take in from movies, TV and social media, as well as what they see their own peers and people in their personal lives act. Instead, we want to help young boys to avoid these influences and instead embrace their ambitions, emotions and humanity in order to become healthier individuals.
It is not about being a man. It is about being a human.
Meet Max:
Max is 11 years old, and loves painting and making art. He loves his friends and enjoys spending time with them. He makes sure to enjoy the things in life that he loves and that it is important to be himself!
Meet Andy:
Andy is 10 years old. He loves sports and playing outside. He loves his friends and enjoys spending time with them. He always remembers to love himself for who he is and to not compare himself to others!
Meet MAN
This comic book will follow our three friends who together make MAN: Max, Andy and Nick. These three friends are all growing up together and ae figuring out life and what it means to be a “normal boy.” Each boy has a perception that they are stuck with of what they think it means to be a real man in order to fit in with their peers, but together they will help each other and they will learn how to overcome these unrealistic ideas! They will all learn how to be more human and grow out of these unhealthy mindsets. What will YOU learn from their stories?
Meet Nick:
Nick is 12 years old. He enjoys reading and working in his garden in his backyard. He loves his friends and enjoys spending time with them. He always remembers healthy way to express his emotions and it is ok to be human!
Max’s Journey
While going to lunch with Andy, Max sees Johnny and Rob loudly talking at the lunch table.
They are talking about the latest football game and their favorite violent video game, and things that the “cool kids” talk about.
Max wants to go sit and talk with the cool kids, but he doesn’t like any of the things they’re talking about.
Max gets frustrated and upset as he goes to sit down with Andy.
What’s wrong, dude? You seem kinda upset.
I wanna go talk with the cool kids, but I don’t like anything they are talking about and I feel like I don’t fit in with them.
You don’t need to like what they like to fit in. You just go over and be yourself and they will like you!
I’m afriad they won’t like me because I like making art and they don’t like that stuff, and then they will make fun of me.
Well then they deserve to be your friend. I think you and your art are awesome, Max. You should know its cool to be yourself!
Thanks, Andy. I really needed to hear that. You’re really a great friend.
When Max gets home from school, he sees his art supplies and starts to think of an idea.
and creative
to passionately and happily paint a picture of him and his buddies.
Max feels excited
starts
Max finished his masterpiece, and proudly hangs it on his art gallery wall in his bedroom.
Andy’s Journey
On his way to class, Andy sees Rob towering over Johnny and Daisy while he talks to them.
He thinks of how big and strong Rob is compared to him, and how the big and strong guys he sees online are rich and famous.
While looking at his short stature, Andy compares himself to these other boys and gets sad and jealous.
Ugh! I am so jealous of you, Nick! You get to walk around all cool being big and tall and strong and I’m stuck as the little guy!
I’m never gonna be like you and those big strong guys, everyone probably thinks I am weak and a loser.
Hey, dude. Just because I look big and strong it doesn’t automatically make me a cool kid, just like those guys you see online.
Those guys are jerks, anyways.
It doesn’t matter what you look like, Andy. It’s whats on the inside. I think you’re a cool and funny guy. That’s why you’re my friend.
Thanks, Nick. Maybe you are right. I need to love myself for who I am and not compare myself to others for approval.
You’re a great friend, dude.
Later, Andy sees Daisy left behind her phone in class. Hey Daisy! I think you left this behind. I was thinking about selling it for a quick buck but thought I should give it to you instead!
Hehe! You’re too funny, Andy! Thank you for giving it back, that was very nice of you!
With a renewed sense of confidence, Andy goes home and proudly admires himself in the mirror.
got it, you handsome devil!
Still
Nick’s Journey
While Nick is focused on his way to class carrying his books, Johnny sees him distracted.
Johnny decides to shove Nick as he walks by, causing Nick to trip and fall over, his books flying out of his hands and onto the floor.
Hey, pal! Watch where you’re going! Haha!
Nick notices that Rob and Daisy are whispering to each other and realizes they saw him get shoved.
Upset and embarassed, Nick hurries off to class as tears welt up in his eyes.
Thinking of what he sees in movies and on social media, Nick thinks of getting back at Johnny by fighting him to feel better and show he’s tough.
Max and Andy notice Nick looks upset and look at each other with concern for their friend.
Hey, Nick? Is everything ok, buddy? Andy and I noticed you looked real upset.
Johnny shoved and embarassed and made me sad earlier so now I wanna fight him to show I’m not a wimp.
Don’t do that, Nick. Its unhealthy to use violence that way. Just because he hurt you does not mean to hurt him back.
I feel like a baby for crying, too.
It’s ok to cry and be upset, buddy. You’re human. Being open and emotional is healthy and makes you even stronger!
You can always come to us too.
Thank you, guys. That means a lot to me. You guys are my best friends.
We love you no matter what, Nick.
Max learned:
It is important to not feel like you are different and outcast just because you like things that aren’t “cool” or “normal.” It is ok to enjoy the things in life you enjoy and that it is important to be your most authentic self!
Andy learned:
You should not compare yourself to others based on looks, because looks are not the most important part of somebody, and that you should be nice to yourself and love yourself for who you are!
Nick learned:
It is important to have a healthy way of expressing your emotions. You should not hold your emotions in to act tough or take them out in an unhealthy way. It makes you human to have emotions and be upset or angry, and you should express them in a healthy way by talking about them with people you care about, because that will help you feel better and makes you more human!
What to remember:
The most important thing in life before being a man is being a human. It is ok to be authentic, vulnerable and genuine even when it may seem like that is not the norm. Learning to be more human is what will help you learn about life with an open mind and to not compare yourself to what you see around you. Always remember being human takes growth and learning, and that the journey may be difficult, but in the end you will become a healthier and happier person!
Have some questions or need some advice?
Contact us at humankind.advice@gmail.com
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! @ourhumankind
