Kate Lexén, Tender’s Director of Services, reflects on the new Louis Theroux documentary, ‘Inside the Manosphere’:
‘Everyone’s talking about the Louis Theroux documentary on Inside the Manosphere. It sparked conversation and outrage, and it raised awareness of some of the very real harmful influences pervading online spaces. While people have heard of Andrew Tate, one of the most prominent Manosphere figures, many were unaware of just how many copycats are spewing out dangerous content and how far reaching their influence is.
‘It’s almost impossible to use the internet today without being exposed to abusive content, and for boys and young men this is part of their everyday. Misogyny has always existed, but now that algorithms are flooding people’s feeds, it’s becoming hard to recognise that such behaviour isn’t normal or okay. In many ways, it’s very easy to see why boys and young men are drawn into these spaces: with the lure of money, notoriety, sexual desirability. As Louis says, these influencers often bring a sense of purpose, hope and community for young men who might be facing difficulties.
‘Much of the documentary shows the seemingly glamorous lifestyle of misogynistic influencers in places such as Marbella and Miami, streaming to legions of fans. It feels a million miles away, but what we’re seeing in the documentary isn’t confined to the darkest corners of the internet or to glamorous far-flung locations. We’re seeing the impacts daily in schools and youth settings across the UK. In Tender workshops we see male students refusing to acknowledge female facilitators, primary school boys physically squaring up to female teachers, and victim-blaming and perpetrator excusing attitudes being shared. We cannot ignore the fact that our boys and young men are vulnerable to this radicalisation. The impact of dismissing it is catastrophic.
‘What also cannot be ignored – and was sadly not addressed within the documentary – is the very real impact on girls and women. Misogyny exists within and fuels a systemic spectrum of violence against women and girls, in which abuse is actively excused and glamourised. At one point in the documentary, we witness someone being physically assaulted. At another, we hear an influencer actively incite sexual assault, in a horrific call to action on how a man should ‘dictate’ his partner. What we’re seeing isn’t just offensive content, designed to shock and to keep viewers engaged – it’s physical abuse, sexual abuse, and coercive control. It’s important we name it for what it is.
‘This is why it’s absolutely vital that children and young people are given quality relationships education which gives them a space to identify, discuss and question harmful attitudes and behaviours, and to critically assess what they are accessing online. It’s important we ensure teachers feel supported and empowered to be able to challenge misogynistic attitudes and to safeguard those who are impacted by this content. Tender’s workshops open up a safe, inquisitive space for young people to explore these concepts gently, centring empathy and communication. We must empower boys and young men to be part of the solution, not simply seen as the problem. All young people should be brought into the conversation, so that we create a shared dialogue of respect and consent, where young people feel able to be a positive force for change.’
Kate Lexen is available for interview. For media requests please contact Kate Vine, Communications Manager / Isadora Nicastro, Senior Communications Officer.
