"BOY TALK"
by
Cyrene Joyce Laurente and Bryan Nonay
Introduction
What influences a person’s actions, is it their morals or society’s beliefs? In the short film titled “Boy Talk” which was created by Cyrene Joyce Laurente and Bryan Nonay, this question passes through our minds as we witness the conversation of the young man and his uncle. The film comes across the different perspectives of people about the topics of gender dynamics between males and females. By bringing light to this problem, the film underlines the challenge that is critical in slowing down the progress of society in our goal of achieving gender equality. This analysis will dive into the symbolism and message to highlight the current struggle with the problems stopping us from achieving gender equality.
Summary
“Boy Talk” is a short film that navigates the viewers on the faces of history, tradition, and beliefs that have altered numerous men’s values towards women. The film focuses on the conversation between a young man and his uncle. Their topic shifted, from getting a girlfriend to the uncle's twisted perspective regarding women. The uncle’s perspective contains victim-blaming, deeming that women are at fault when cases, such as rape, happen to them. This in turn helps the young man realize how gender inequality is common in older generations, due to stubborn believers and their reserved social and cultural norms.
Biographical context analysis
Cyrene Joyce Laurente wrote the short film “Boy Talk” to mark and defy the heavily established societal attitudes toward women in Philippine culture. Philippines’s rape culture probes into severely sensitive topics, including sexual harassment, victim-blaming, toxic masculinity, and objectification of women. Bryan Nonay, Laurente’s co-writer, co-wrote this film together with Laurente in hopes of arousing reasoning and perception regarding the known normalization of detrimental behaviors and its desperate need for change and modification. Both Laurente and Nonay’s work aligns with one goal, and that is to alter societal norms, upholding shifts in perspectives with regard to gender equality, through the use of arts, such as written literary works.
Linguistic context analysis
The dialogue and script as shown in the title "Boy Talk" was having a conversation-like interaction with the uncle and his nephew. Both talked casually and used the Filipino language, they then began to share their own experiences and own opinions on the matter. The short film was effective in showing that our generation has improved in addressing issues, us new generations quite relate to this since we have/had conversations with them, but we can't blame them for their opinions since that's their way of thinking. Through the dialogue, it can be seen that the conversation was completely biased due to it only having boys talk about the issue. It can be seen in the dialogue as his uncle was preventing her daughter from posting her bikini photos online worried that she too would be harassed. Not knowing that his daughter might have only posted that photo because she wanted to express herself in that way.
Conclusion
Boy Talk highlights the ongoing issue of gender inequality and harmful beliefs passed down through generations. The film effectively shows how older perspectives on women and victim-blaming still exist, while younger generations are beginning to challenge these ideas. Through its casual yet meaningful dialogue, the film encourages viewers to reflect on societal norms and how they affect gender equality. It reminds us that while we cannot completely blame older generations for their views, it is important to educate and promote change. By addressing these issues through film and conversation, we can take steps toward a more equal society.
UCSP INCLUSION
What is the social issue?
The short film “Boy Talk” focuses on the social issue of toxic masculinity (Katipunan, 2020). Toxic masculinity depicts the scope of actions and executions that root harm not only to men themselves but also to those around them (McGlashan & Mercer, 2023). Toxic masculinity is a cluster of socially deteriorating male traits that act to strengthen domination, depreciation of women, homophobia, and intentional violence (Kupers, 2025). It has been unearthed that toxic masculinity unfolds for a variety of reasons, comprising the temper and character of the man or boy in question. Toxic masculinity occurs in two forms, one which is flaunting their manhood, and the other which is by abiding stricter and harsher traditional exhibits of masculinity (Makhanya, 2023).
How is this affecting you, your family, and society?
The issue of sexual harassment can become a hindrance in creating a safe community. Creating an unsafe environment for women to live in, can lead to multiple stereotypes that will break the unity between both genders. A study that is able to further elaborate this statement goes “Establishing a safe space to prevent and address sexual harassment is crucial for fostering an environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and safe. This article explores the various facets of creating such a space, including the importance of clear policies, training, support systems, and continuous improvement” (Meneses, n.d.). With that, the victim's mental health can also be affected because of how most women tend to keep it to themselves when they have experienced such treatment. "Women and girls' mental health is impacted by sexual harassment, a type of gender-based violence. In addition to depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it can also cause victims to experience low self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, and thoughts of harming themselves." (Agarwal, 2022)
Toxic masculinity pressures people most likely men to suppress their emotions which leads to some mental health issues like depression and an increase in suicide rates (Mahalik et al., 2003). However, in families, it forms strict gender roles causing emotional connection and healthy communication to be limited. This often can cause strained relationships and discourage vulnerability. But in society, it contributes to violence, sexism, and homophobia. It also harms men by promoting aggression as strength and not encouraging the emotional well-being of others.
What information/evidence can you show to explain it?
In the Philippines, reports from organizations like the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) show the alarming prevalence of gender-based violence. According to national data, 1 in 4 Filipino women aged 15–49 has experienced physical, emotional, or sexual violence from a partner. Research in psychology, gender studies, and sociology shows how casual conversations, jokes, and language contribute to the normalization of harmful attitudes. There are studies of “rape culture” and toxic masculinity that prove that phrases like “boys will be boys” or “she was asking for it” desensitize people to serious issues, which makes it harder for the victims to seek justice. There are also publicized cases of sexual violence and harassment that reveal patterns of victim-blaming or lack of accountability. In some court rulings, survivors are questioned about their clothing or behavior rather than focusing on the perpetrator’s actions.
Why is it necessary to tackle and respond to this social issue?
To come up with a solution to rape culture, we think that a culture needs to be fought for that recognizes respect, responsibility, and gender equality as the basic foundations. The very normalization of harmful language and behaviors is in itself a contributor to gendered violence (Reedy, 2008). Thereby, making it imperative that we confront these attitudes to build safer spaces for all. Confrontation of these behaviors becomes a way to give survivors a voice, power, and support (Nelson, 2016). Raising awareness and educating society on rape culture will interrupt the perpetuating cycle of these damaging stereotypes (Rape Culture, 2024). This method allows for more constructive conversations surrounding consent and respect. Fighting rape culture is thus one avenue to uphold international standards like UN Sustainable Development Goal #5, Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls, ultimately working towards a more equal and just society (Goal 5 | Department of Economic and Social Affairs, n.d.)
RECOMMENDATIONS
Individual Level
Toxic masculinity demands the obligation to forcibly compete and dominate others and comprises the most troublesome tendencies in men. These same male tendencies encourage opposition to psychotherapy (Kupers, 2005). Adult men at the turn of the era held on to the belief that opportunities for the improvement and expression of masculinity were being constrained (Hantover, 1978). In recent decades, there have been requests to modify therapy for men. Researchers gradually become observant of the influence of masculinity on men and their psychological health, their inclination to seek aid, and their exposure to therapy. Recommendations have been released on how to improve involvement and restorative change for men in counseling (Beel et al., 2018)
Community/Societal Level
We can do a lot of things like Promoting Gender Sensitivity Training, wherein the schools, workplaces, and communities will have programs to teach people about respect, consent, and the effects of harmful stereotypes. We also Create Safe Spaces for Discussions, and this includes organizing forums, supporting groups, or doing community talks where people can openly discuss gender issues and challenge harmful beliefs.
Credible Sources for Action
Government initiatives such as Republic Act No. 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act) (familymatters, n.d.) and RA 11313 (Safe Spaces Act) [citation needed] provide legal protection against gender-based violence in the Philippines. International organizations like UN Women [citation needed] and the World Health Organization (WHO) (Republic Act No. 11313, n.d.) contribute through global advocacy, research, and policy recommendations. NGOs such as Gabriela Women’s Party (GABRIELA Philippines, n.d.)and the Gender-based Violence Prevention Network (SVRI, 2025) actively campaign for women's rights, legal reforms, and community education. Academic institutions, including the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) (Philippine Commission on Women, 2025) and the UP Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UP Center for Women’s and Gender Studies, 2023), offer research-driven insights into gender issues. These credible sources play a crucial role in preventing rape culture and promoting gender equality.
References:
Familymatters (n.d.). https://familymatters.netlify.app/relevant%20laws/ra%209262%20anti-violence%20against%20women
Republic Act No. 11313. (n.d.). https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2019/ra_11313_2019.html
GABRIELA Philippines. (n.d.). GABRIELA Philippines. https://gabrielaphilippines.wordpress.com/
SVRI. (2025, January 15). Home - SVRI. https://www.svri.org/
Philippine Commission on Women. (2025, January 31). https://pcw.gov.ph/
UP Center for Women’s and Gender Studies. (2023, October 8). About UPCWGS - UP Center for Women’s and Gender Studies. UP Center for Women’s and Gender Studies - UPCWGS. https://cws.up.edu.ph/?page_id=427
Katipunan, C. (2020, August 22). FINALLY! A GRATING BUT NECESSARY VIDEO THAT GOES OUT TO YOUR VICTIM-BLAMING, TOXICALLY ‘MACHO’ RELATIVE
McGlashan, M., & Mercer, J. (2023). Toxic Masculinity
Wikstrรถm, Malin C. (2019). " Gendered Bodies and Power Dynamics: The Relation between Toxic Masculinity and Sexual Harassment" Granite Journal: a Postgraduate Interdisciplinary Journal: Volume 3, Issue 2 pages 28-33
Makhanya, M. T. B. (2023, February 28). Causes and Consequences of Toxic Masculinity: Can HeForShe Be a Solution for Gender-Based Violence?
https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/8676
Reedy, N. J. (2008). Language as violence, or peace? Journal of Midwifery & Women S Health, 53(6), 493–495. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmwh.2008.07.016
Nelson, E. L. (2016, June 9). Why I never reported being raped. Role Reboot. http://www.rolereboot.org/culture-and-politics/details/2016-06-never-reported-raped/#.V2aJ8BEupKg.twitter
Rape culture. (2024, August 26). The SHARPP Center for Interpersonal Violence Awareness, Prevention, and Advocacy. https://www.unh.edu/sharpp/prevention/rape-culture
Goal 5 | Department of Economic and Social Affairs. (n.d.). https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal5
Beel, N., Jeffries, C., Brownlow, C., Winterbotham, S., & du Preez, J. (2018). Recommendations for male-friendly individual counseling with men: A qualitative systematic literature review for the period 1995–2016. Psychology of Men & Masculinity, 19(4), 600–611. https://doi.org/10.1037/men0000137
Hantover, J. P. (1978). The Boy Scouts and the validation of masculinity. Journal of Social Issues, 34(1), 184–195. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-4560.1978.tb02548.x
Kupers, T. (2005, February 24). Toxic masculinity as a barrier to mental health treatment in prison
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jclp.20105
Agarwal M. (2022) Impact of sexual harassment on mental health of women. 20(21), 292-301 https://www.proquest.com/openview/99073779b95b013c0523a5c7ee4f2eca/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=2035897
Introduction
Summary
Biographical context analysis
Linguistic context analysis
Conclusion
UCSP INCLUSION
What is the social issue?
The short film “Boy Talk” focuses on the social issue of toxic masculinity (Katipunan, 2020). Toxic masculinity depicts the scope of actions and executions that root harm not only to men themselves but also to those around them (McGlashan & Mercer, 2023). Toxic masculinity is a cluster of socially deteriorating male traits that act to strengthen domination, depreciation of women, homophobia, and intentional violence (Kupers, 2025). It has been unearthed that toxic masculinity unfolds for a variety of reasons, comprising the temper and character of the man or boy in question. Toxic masculinity occurs in two forms, one which is flaunting their manhood, and the other which is by abiding stricter and harsher traditional exhibits of masculinity (Makhanya, 2023).
How is this affecting you, your family, and society?
The issue of sexual harassment can become a hindrance in creating a safe community. Creating an unsafe environment for women to live in, can lead to multiple stereotypes that will break the unity between both genders. A study that is able to further elaborate this statement goes “Establishing a safe space to prevent and address sexual harassment is crucial for fostering an environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and safe. This article explores the various facets of creating such a space, including the importance of clear policies, training, support systems, and continuous improvement” (Meneses, n.d.). With that, the victim's mental health can also be affected because of how most women tend to keep it to themselves when they have experienced such treatment. "Women and girls' mental health is impacted by sexual harassment, a type of gender-based violence. In addition to depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it can also cause victims to experience low self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, and thoughts of harming themselves." (Agarwal, 2022)
Toxic masculinity pressures people most likely men to suppress their emotions which leads to some mental health issues like depression and an increase in suicide rates (Mahalik et al., 2003). However, in families, it forms strict gender roles causing emotional connection and healthy communication to be limited. This often can cause strained relationships and discourage vulnerability. But in society, it contributes to violence, sexism, and homophobia. It also harms men by promoting aggression as strength and not encouraging the emotional well-being of others.
What information/evidence can you show to explain it?
In the Philippines, reports from organizations like the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) show the alarming prevalence of gender-based violence. According to national data, 1 in 4 Filipino women aged 15–49 has experienced physical, emotional, or sexual violence from a partner. Research in psychology, gender studies, and sociology shows how casual conversations, jokes, and language contribute to the normalization of harmful attitudes. There are studies of “rape culture” and toxic masculinity that prove that phrases like “boys will be boys” or “she was asking for it” desensitize people to serious issues, which makes it harder for the victims to seek justice. There are also publicized cases of sexual violence and harassment that reveal patterns of victim-blaming or lack of accountability. In some court rulings, survivors are questioned about their clothing or behavior rather than focusing on the perpetrator’s actions.
Why is it necessary to tackle and respond to this social issue?
To come up with a solution to rape culture, we think that a culture needs to be fought for that recognizes respect, responsibility, and gender equality as the basic foundations. The very normalization of harmful language and behaviors is in itself a contributor to gendered violence (Reedy, 2008). Thereby, making it imperative that we confront these attitudes to build safer spaces for all. Confrontation of these behaviors becomes a way to give survivors a voice, power, and support (Nelson, 2016). Raising awareness and educating society on rape culture will interrupt the perpetuating cycle of these damaging stereotypes (Rape Culture, 2024). This method allows for more constructive conversations surrounding consent and respect. Fighting rape culture is thus one avenue to uphold international standards like UN Sustainable Development Goal #5, Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls, ultimately working towards a more equal and just society (Goal 5 | Department of Economic and Social Affairs, n.d.)
RECOMMENDATIONS
Individual Level
Toxic masculinity demands the obligation to forcibly compete and dominate others and comprises the most troublesome tendencies in men. These same male tendencies encourage opposition to psychotherapy (Kupers, 2005). Adult men at the turn of the era held on to the belief that opportunities for the improvement and expression of masculinity were being constrained (Hantover, 1978). In recent decades, there have been requests to modify therapy for men. Researchers gradually become observant of the influence of masculinity on men and their psychological health, their inclination to seek aid, and their exposure to therapy. Recommendations have been released on how to improve involvement and restorative change for men in counseling (Beel et al., 2018)
Community/Societal Level
We can do a lot of things like Promoting Gender Sensitivity Training, wherein the schools, workplaces, and communities will have programs to teach people about respect, consent, and the effects of harmful stereotypes. We also Create Safe Spaces for Discussions, and this includes organizing forums, supporting groups, or doing community talks where people can openly discuss gender issues and challenge harmful beliefs.
Credible Sources for Action
Government initiatives such as Republic Act No. 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act) (familymatters, n.d.) and RA 11313 (Safe Spaces Act) [citation needed] provide legal protection against gender-based violence in the Philippines. International organizations like UN Women [citation needed] and the World Health Organization (WHO) (Republic Act No. 11313, n.d.) contribute through global advocacy, research, and policy recommendations. NGOs such as Gabriela Women’s Party (GABRIELA Philippines, n.d.)and the Gender-based Violence Prevention Network (SVRI, 2025) actively campaign for women's rights, legal reforms, and community education. Academic institutions, including the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) (Philippine Commission on Women, 2025) and the UP Center for Women’s and Gender Studies (UP Center for Women’s and Gender Studies, 2023), offer research-driven insights into gender issues. These credible sources play a crucial role in preventing rape culture and promoting gender equality.
Comments
Post a Comment