Why Toxic Masculinity is Gaining Prominence
Men ‘Alienated’
We live in an unstable and precarious world and men, as well as everyone else, face many problems today. They feel alienated, according to Jacob Johanssen, associate professor of communications at St Mary’s University in London.
This, experts say, is where the manosphere comes in, with its online forums and YouTube channels.
The different communities in the manosphere function like self-help groups for men where they can discuss issues such as mental health, vulnerability, or loneliness, Johanssen said. But at the same time, those spaces also contain very toxic discussions of misogyny and sexism.
‘Tricking’ Young Men
A large section of manosphere content also relates to things a lot of young men may be looking for online, such as dating advice, health and fitness advice, and financial advice, according to Joshua Thorburn, a doctoral candidate at Australia’s Monash University researching online misogyny.
A young man or teenager may not be explicitly searching for misogynistic content when they first encounter a manosphere influencer’s content or a manosphere community, he said.
Normalization of Misogyny
The rise of the so-called “manosphere” – made up of online forums and communities that promote masculinism and misogyny – is “intrinsically linked to the growth of right-wing populism across many parts of the world,” Johanssen said.
The normalization of misogyny, rape culture, and violence against women and girls is a growing concern, he added.
Influence of Online Influencers
Andrew Tate, a self-proclaimed misogynistic influencer, has more than 10 million followers on X and is popular with young men on the platform, where he shares his violent vision of masculinity.
His content has been linked to at least two high-profile cases of violence against women, including the 2024 murder of a 26-year-old woman and her family.
Consequences of Toxic Masculinity
Experts warn that the normalization of toxic masculinity can have severe consequences, including increased violence against women, and a culture of misogyny and sexism.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the rise of toxic masculinity is a growing concern that requires immediate attention and action. It is essential to address the root causes of this phenomenon and promote a culture of respect, empathy, and equality.
FAQs
Q: What is toxic masculinity?
A: Toxic masculinity refers to the societal norms and expectations that promote aggressive, violent, and oppressive behaviors towards women and other marginalized groups.
Q: What is the manosphere?
A: The manosphere is a network of online forums and communities that promote masculinism and misogyny.
Q: How does toxic masculinity affect society?
A: Toxic masculinity can lead to increased violence against women, a culture of misogyny and sexism, and a lack of respect and empathy towards marginalized groups.
Q: What can be done to address toxic masculinity?
A: Addressing toxic masculinity requires a cultural shift that promotes respect, empathy, and equality. It also requires addressing the root causes of this phenomenon, such as the objectification and oppression of women and marginalized groups.