Area young men gather at MSU-Meridian for International Men’s Day
Contact: Marianne Todd
MERIDIAN, Miss.—Forty area young men joined faculty and staff at Mississippi State University-Meridian in late November to be inspired about positive role models in today’s society.
Part of International Men’s Day, the event was spearheaded by Associate Professor of Community College Education and Program Coordinator Mark Fincher.
Students from Meridian School District’s middle and high schools learned how to resolve challenges they face from media, especially with negative portrayals of men, Fincher said. Using the theme of positive male role models, speakers from the community shared their experiences growing up.
“Men and boys tend to do best when they’re in community with others and particularly when they’re able to see more mature people who have succeeded,” Fincher said. “A lot of times what they do see about men is failure, but that’s not the reality. That’s what they see on social media.”
Ethan Beard, a Meridian High School senior, said he appreciated the history lesson of how media shapes male perspectives.
“What makes a man is not just paying bills,” Beard said. “Are you able to protect your household? Are you able to guide your family with the morals you live by?”
Associate Professor of History Toby Bates contrasted the television role models of the ’70s and ’80s with those of today.
“We grew up with positive images of dads. Most of the TV dads today are silly,” Bates said. “We had three channels, so we weren’t bombarded like we are today. Pop culture, TV shows, music, toys, all reflect our society and affect our society.”
The event proved to be an excellent opportunity to use college as a means of self-development, said Associate Vice Provost of Health Sciences and Interim Head of Campus David Buys. Following the speaking program and lunch, the students were treated to a tour of campus programs.
“Dr. Fincher has admirably done this each year,” said Buys, who spoke to a group of men on the Starkville campus the evening before. “This is an excellent opportunity to reach and guide young men through conveying an understanding and compassion for what they face growing up in today’s society.”