Understanding the Movements

In the past few years, news outlets have covered stories regarding movements like the incel movement, Men's rights activist groups and red pill communities. Though all are important and share a similar alt right perspective that leads to similar end results, I am focusing today on the origin of these movements which is the Incel movement. In the late 1990s a young woman created an online support forum page for those who were involuntarily celibate could connect. Though this group originated as a community for those who were lonely, it has harbored a community built on anger and resentment towards women. In more recent times, members of such communities have begun to create media targeted towards young men. This  culture that has been created within these communities has created violent ideology and a deep rooted misogyny that's hard to move out of once in. I am here to help advocate for media that children and young adults consume to be moderated and actively monitored.

One of the nuggets things that is clear beyond all these groups are the core beliefs. A large thing noted in these communities is the idea that if you are not socially looked at as typically attractive you will not find love. This narrative leads unconventionally attractive men without hope and gives them the idea that women who are with them are doing it for status or resources. Most self improvement groups see things as always finding a way to get better but this is the danger of the Incel movement, they are fed the idea that they will never have this because of their looks so build resentment and hatred towards women.

Popular media outlets like YouTube and Reddit are typically how these message courses are spread. Reddit is a forum type of social media and people are often linked to spaces that push this agenda. Discord is another similar format. This is a gaming group chat software that often has conversations and behaviors discussed in a similar fashion that is very normalized in these communities. Lastly, one of the biggest most prominent and accessible platforms people access these messages is YouTube. A simple search for a video looking for young men dating advice can spiral into misogynistic content from creators who disguise material as suited for youth even sometimes in a cartoon or animated figure format. 

These beliefs and messaging can be very powerful and lead disastrous effects. Behaviors like young men posting your body my choice videos when Roe vs Wade was revoked is just one example. Sadly, for many the consequences go beyond online harassment. One of the most notable stories is Elliot Rodgers. In 2014 a man named Elliot Rodgers is just one of the many stories in the news that link the Incel movement to their mass murders. His was a particularly interesting story because his self shame attached to his virginity and never having kissed a girl motivated him to plan a “ day of retribution” to the world for not giving him the sex and love he deserves. He wrote a manifesto and left videos on YouTube telling his plans and many are still idolized in these far right communities after killing 6 people. Other notable Incel idolized attackers include Andrew Anglin and Alek Minasaain. 

As a young woman who has seen these influences impact people she loves dearly, I am providing this website as a resource on how to make change . As a parent there are options and conversations that can be had to help mitigate engagement with these communities such as being cognisant of typical warning signs ( this will be explored further in the website), learning media literacy and what sources we should seen as credible, being open to uncomfortable conversations, and trying to have male role models present in your child's life who represent behaviors you would be proud for your child to display.