What Role Did the Manosphere Play in the Election?
Nov 26, 2024
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Joshua Citarella, an artist and internet culture writer, dives into how the manosphere is shaping young men's political views, particularly after recent elections. He discusses the spectrum of content found in this online space, from benign advice to extremist ideologies. The conversation highlights how casual podcasts can radicalize young men and the impact of misinformation in male-centric media. Citarella emphasizes the urgent need for open dialogues about gender dynamics and the interplay between digital culture and politics in today's society.
The manosphere's evolution reflects a shift from benign men's issues towards a complex ecosystem that harbors extremist ideologies influencing young male voters.
Young men often enter the manosphere seeking self-improvement but can inadvertently adopt harmful beliefs through exposure to misogynistic and traditional gender narratives.
The rise of pop culture figures in the political arena blurs the lines between entertainment and politics, reshaping how young voters engage with candidates.
Deep dives
Understanding the Manosphere's Evolution
The manosphere has transformed significantly over recent years, particularly since the 2016 election. Initially, it encompassed a range of online cultures focused on men's issues, dating advice, and self-improvement. However, it has shifted towards a more complex ecosystem, now often associated with a variety of male entertainers and influencers who blend comedy, fitness, and informal advice. As this shift occurred, various platforms have become breeding grounds for both benign advice and more concerning ideologies, leading to the radicalization of some young men through interactions with extremist rhetoric.
The Recruitment Path to the Manosphere
Young men often find their way into the manosphere through seemingly innocuous interests like dating, fitness, or self-presentation. This journey typically starts with basic queries for lifestyle improvements but can veer towards critiques of societal norms concerning gender roles. For example, early exposure to dating advice can lead to a resurgence of traditional gender values that may deepen into more extreme beliefs. As users navigate this landscape, they may inadvertently absorb more harmful ideologies, often culminating in a rejection of modern gender discussions.
The Allure of Self-Improvement and Community
Many young men are drawn to the manosphere due to its promise of self-improvement and community engagement. Effective fitness advice or dress tips can significantly impact their self-esteem, encouraging them to seek out this content in a society sometimes devoid of supportive male figures. This environment allows them to connect with like-minded individuals and feel supported in their struggles, yet it also opens pathways to more nihilistic views. This duality complicates their relationship with the manosphere, where early positive experiences can lead to dangerous ideological turns.
Radicalization and its Societal Impact
Radicalization in the manosphere is not only an individual trend but has broader implications for society. Younger men, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, may find themselves engaging with communities that exacerbate feelings of disenfranchisement and resentment. Despite stereotypes suggesting homogeneity, some radical groups also include a diverse range of young men who feel alienated by societal norms. This unique blend complicates narratives around extremism and brings attention to how these online spaces can shape political identities and worldviews.
The Role of Pop Culture in Political Outreach
The evolving influence of pop culture figures in politics exemplifies a new communication strategy that resonates with younger audiences. Figures like Trump have leveraged platforms typically reserved for entertainers to connect with voters in a relatable manner, contrasting sharply with traditional campaign approaches. This environment encourages voters to identify with political figures based on perceived authenticity rather than policy. As these influencers proliferate, the challenge lies in creating a balanced dialogue that counters the predominantly conservative narratives while fostering progressive engagement.
The majority of male Gen Z voters cast their ballots for Donald Trump, according to exit polling. Some cultural analysts say that’s partly because more young men are spending time in the online world called the “manosphere.” Most of the manosphere consists of videos and podcasts about things like exercise, grooming and dating. But the space is also home to people spreading racist, misogynistic and extreme right-wing views, which may be pushing more young men and boys to the extremist fringes. We’ll talk about the online politicization of young men and its real-world consequences.
Guests:
Joshua Citarella, artist and internet culture writer; host, "Doomscroll," a podcast that explores online culture and politics; graduate professor, Rhode Island School of Design; founder, Do Not Research, a non-profit arts organization based in New York City.
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