The Rise of Soy Panic

Soy panic, also known as the fear of consuming soy products and its impact on masculinity, has gained traction in recent years. It started with conspiracy theorist Alex Jones and an article in Men's Health that claimed soy consumption could lead to health issues and feminization. This narrative was further popularized by right-wing figures like Paul Joseph Watson and Tucker Carlson, who framed soy as a threat to masculinity. The fear of soy has resulted in the emergence of terms like 'soy boy' as an insult and has been weaponized in mainstream GOP rhetoric. However, scientific studies have consistently debunked these claims, showing no evidence of soy's negative impact on masculinity. Despite this, the soy panic narrative persists, reflecting a broader insecurity and resistance to changing gender norms.