DeepSummary
The podcast episode explores the rise of Andrew Tate, an online influencer known for promoting extreme misogynistic views, and his impact on young men. It discusses a recent study showing that over 20% of young British men have a favorable view of Tate and his anti-feminist rhetoric. The episode delves into the broader issue of a growing ideological divide between young men and women globally, with women becoming more liberal and men more conservative.
Experts Matt Shea, a documentary maker who has interviewed Tate, and Harriet Hall from Cosmopolitan magazine, provide insights into Tate's persona, his marketing strategies, and the appeal of his toxic masculinity ideology among disaffected young men. They also examine the potential reasons behind the divergence in attitudes towards feminism and social issues between the genders.
The discussion touches on the role of social media algorithms in amplifying controversial content and polarizing views, as well as the impact of such divisive rhetoric on young women and girls. The episode highlights the need to address the systemic issues contributing to the normalization of misogyny and the erosion of support for feminist principles among both genders.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Andrew Tate is an online influencer who has gained a significant following, particularly among young men, by promoting extreme misogynistic and anti-feminist views.
- A recent study found that over 20% of young British men have a favorable view of Tate, highlighting the concerning impact of his toxic rhetoric.
- There is a growing ideological divide between young men and women globally, with women becoming more liberal and men more conservative in their social attitudes.
- Social media algorithms and echo chambers play a significant role in amplifying divisive content and polarizing views, contributing to the normalization of misogyny and erosion of support for feminism.
- The rise of influencers like Tate and the broader gender divide in social attitudes have concerning implications for young women and girls, who are often the targets of misogynistic rhetoric and behavior.
- Addressing the systemic issues contributing to the appeal of toxic masculinity ideologies and the divergence in gender attitudes is crucial to promoting gender equality and combating the normalization of misogyny.
- While misogyny and sexism have existed throughout history, the rise of social media and the influence of divisive online figures like Tate have exacerbated and amplified these issues in new and concerning ways.
- Experts emphasize the need for a nuanced understanding of the factors driving these trends and the importance of open dialogue and diverse perspectives to bridge the ideological divide between genders.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Andrew Tate is the latest in a long line of men who operate online, presenting themselves as sort of life coaches or self help gurus for disaffected and vulnerable young men and boys. But actually, what he's presenting as well is a real contempt of women, a degradation of women, reducing women to a sexual object.“ by Harriet Hall
- “Social media has essentially siloed a lot of young men and women into different kind of algorithmic bubbles where they're getting fed different types of content. If you are a young man or a young boy and you're interested in these topics. It is a matter of hours before you will be fed by the algorithm, Jordan Peterson or Andrew Tate, or someone who is basically saying it is feminism that is to blame for basically every bad thing that's happened to you.“ by Matt Shea
- “We're not seeing a huge range of opinions like we used to before social media.“ by Harriet Hall
- “He's not just spouting these very violent and misogynistic views. He's presenting a sort of a life coach Persona, almost himself as this guru that can take young men out of their position of feeling disenfranchised, of feeling unconfident, of feeling vulnerable.“ by Harriet Hall
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Episode Information
The Global Story
BBC World Service
2/16/24
There is growing concern that a new wave of violent misogyny is becoming popular with young men. Many blame social media and online influencers like Andrew Tate for promoting extreme anti-feminist views. Gabriel Gatehouse speaks with BBC filmmaker Matt Shea and Cosmopolitan's Harriet Hall to explore what Gen Z think about sexism and if young people are becoming more polarised in their views.
The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC experts around the world. We’re keen to hear from you, wherever you are in the world. #TheGlobalStory We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell The Global Story. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note on WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
Today’s podcast was made by Alice Aylett Roberts and Bethan Ashmead Latham. The technical producers were Mike Regaard and Philip Bull. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.