We need to redefine masculinity without reinforcing the patriarchy

There’s no easy way to dismantle the “manosphere.”

Following the rise of the alternative right (alt-right) and its targeting of insecure youth on social media, the internet has become a dangerous place for young boys. Right-wing influencers will study the way young boys interact online, filling their needs and enticing them with propaganda. Rife with toxicity, the “manosphere”—a corner of the internet dedicated to promoting traditionally masculine ideals—has negative consequences for both men and women.

Distressed with the current state of masculinity, 16-year-old Josh Sargent took to The Guardian with his vision of creating healthier male role models. Sargent framed the current state of toxic masculinity as an expression of uncertainty and insecurity, preyed upon by internet creators looking to sell fitness plans or financial advice.

Sargent is right—young men do feel insecure and unheard, and the alt-right pipeline directly caters to young male insecurity. Creators like Andrew Tate and Adin Ross promote a glorified version of masculinity while reinforcing misogyny and white supremacy. Young, often white, men turn to these creators because of the power vacuum left by men in positions of power.

In 2025, women will significantly outnumber men in post-secondary education and are on track to eventually outpace men in positions of power in the workforce. While women are more empowered than ever before, men are facing the male loneliness epidemic, a trend of increasing social isolation and lack of deep connections among men.

An important note about the power vacuum concept mentioned by Sargent is that it assumes men need to be in positions of power. Men and women should share power equally, but masculinity has for so long been intertwined with dominance over women that it’s going to take far more than a few good role models to create a “healthier version” of masculinity.

What Sargent should ask is why young white men are readily looking up to racists and misogynists rather than a female role model.

It can be frustrating for women to hear men complain about having bad role models when the role models in question are actively fostering a culture of hate that manifests itself in violence towards women and the systematic removal of their reproductive autonomy.

The idea of creating better role models for men and an alternative model of masculinity isn’t all bad, but it isn’t that easy. The male loneliness epidemic can’t be solved by simply putting more men in positions of power—that’s what got us here in the first place. The decline in male mental health and increase in disenfranchisement aren’t isolated issues; they’re the product of a patriarchy that oppresses both men and women.

Sargent is right that the “manosphere” hurts young men, and it’s not entirely their fault for being sucked in. But he needs to think bigger than social media. These toxic influencers create a culture of hate that harms men and women, and we all need to learn to be a little more empathetic, regardless of gender.

—Journal Editorial Board

Tags

Male Mental Health, Manosphere, toxic masculinity

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