Nowadays, there are lots of ways to make money on social media, and misogyny has become a dangerously popular angle.
BBC broadcast journalist Louis Theroux is back with another gripping documentary. This time around, an in-depth exploration titled, ‘Inside the Mansophere.’ A theoretical concept that has sparked more conversation in the past year, with the rise of infamous social media personalities such as Joe Rogan and Andrew Tate.
Throughout the documentary, Theroux interviews a range of social media influencers about the content they’re making. Each of whom has made a living from producing derogatory content that typically exploits women, shows traits of toxic masculinity and demonstrates harmful principles that allow little room for emotional vulnerability.
In sum, the public figures are creating a dangerous environment for young men to take inspiration from, and Theroux’s documentary is an exploration of the why.
We’ve collected a list of ‘5 Things Young Boys Can Learn’ from it. Consider it a guide on how not to act…
1. Men Are Victims of the Patriarchy Too
Contrary to societal belief, men are also victims of the patriarchy. Almost just as much as women. I know, sounds crazy, right? But it actually makes sense, and here’s why:
The patriarchy has installed a dangerous and unachievable set of rules for men to follow. This often involves men needing to take on unrealistic practices and standards in the belief that it will make them more successful. However, no amount of resistance can improve a man’s ‘power’ or ‘social status.’
Throughout this documentary, Theroux makes it obvious how much the patriarchy impacts men by cleverly questioning the influencers on their beliefs. It’s a smart tactic that helps raise awareness for any young boy watching. It’s a reality check of sorts, reflecting how the struggle that men often feel is deep routed in centuries of unrealistic rules implemented by the patriarchy.
If it were made clear just how the patriarchy impacts men from a young age, it would allow room for them to grow emotional intelligence and vulnerability in a way that allows them to be their truest, authentic selves. Free from judgment.
2. Manhood Isn’t Linear
Throughout the documentary, the question of ‘what is manhood’ is thrown around a lot. It’s a question that young boys will find themselves deliberating as early as primary school and into their adult lives. And though there are plenty of speculated ‘answers’, there is very little information as to what it actually is.
In the 90-minute documentary, Theroux raises many challenging questions to provoke responses from the content curators on what ‘manhood’ means to them. On occasion, influencers in the show hint at manhood being about looks, stamina and money. But a lesson young boys can take from the ‘What is manhood’ discourse, in this documentary, is that it isn’t linear.
No guide defines what is and what isn’t the definition of being a man. Contrary to how society makes young boys feel. AKA liking certain materialistic things like cars, or enjoying hobbies such as football or rugby, or being heterosexual, doesn’t define manhood.
Instead, characteristics such as being in touch with your emotions. Having emotional intelligence for the feelings of those around you. Seeing women as equals, not objects. Being a good father. These are a few characteristics that could arguably be identified as principles that define being a man.
