Courage and Empathy

What makes a courageous man? In Michael Thompson’s book, Raising Cain, the case is made that boys are particularly vulnerable in our society because we do not encourage them to develop an emotional vocabulary or self-understanding. Too often boys are encouraged to mindlessly “be strong.” Without self-understanding, boys can develop tendencies to emotional outbursts that endanger them and society. A principal at a school in Missouri notes “Boys, in particular, just have trouble verbalizing when they’re upset.” Carol Stewart, the founder of AmericaFest, a music festival that was devoted to singing only for men and boys, was inspired by the book Raising Cain and quoted it extensively in her video about the festival; for example, redefining the concept of male strength: “Teach boys that emotional courage is courage and that courage and empathy are the sources of real strength in life.”  

Carol Stewart and Michael Thompson believe that boys need role models of men who use “discipline to build character and conscience not enemies.” Boys who came together at the festival and who were interviewed said that they hadn’t realize how deeply they loved music. They had discovered a new resource within themselves and, what is more important, they discovered that there is a big world of other boys and young men who share their passion and interest, who are discovering new depths of emotional knowledge. They made new friends from around the world.

Ragazzi begins this process of creating community and building emotional understanding for boys through music. Younger boys have the Concert Group and the Young Mens Ensemble to look up to. These experienced singers have discovered the depth of their love for music and they have committed time and energy to share it with audiences. They have developed the discipline to work slowly and persistently for the reward of excellence. Musical appreciation, along with musical skills, grows over time. As boys form deep bonds and learn the language of music, they learn the language of their inner lives and they discover a safe place to experience and share that. By understanding themselves, they have the courage to freely express themselves and through this, they learn to have empathy for their fellow human beings.  

- Joyce Keil, Artistic Director