Man up

For this activity you will need:

• Flip chart paper and pens
• Magazines, preferably ones for men
• Glue sticks

Draw a funny picture, cartoon or collage of 'the ideal Scottish man'

• What does he look like?
• What does he do?
• What are his qualities?

Now watch the BBC video called 'A Guide to Being A Man'.

Looking back at your cartoon image, what do these images say to us about what it means to be a man growing up in Scotland or the UK today?

Is it easy to break free from the stereotypes? What effect does it have if men feel trapped in having to live up to the image of having to 'man-up'.

Have a look at the video clip on Ideal Scotsman 'Men Don't Do Ballet'.

Why do the group think there is such a stigma about boys and men dancing in Scotland? What do they feel about men who don't conform to the 'real man' stereotype?

Is there more of a stigma about being a real man, or is it better to be yourself and find your own path? Would you be happy to be friends with a male that does ballet? Would you be happy to try something that was seen to be 'feminine'?