The Red Pill Movement and Its Contribution to GBV
Movie Origins
In 1999, ‘The Matrix’ was released, and its financial success quickly followed. The film grossed approximately $468 million worldwide. However, it left more than just a box office impact; it left a lasting mark on internet history.
In the film, the protagonist, Neo, must choose between a red pill and a blue pill. The red pill symbolises staying a part of the world we know, forever asleep, while the blue pill symbolises waking up to a different reality and leaving everything behind.
The red pill movement
The red pill movement, which began on Reddit, quickly spread like wildfire across various media. From Instagram to YouTube and X. This online outlet for the hatred of women didn’t die out. It got fanned. But why did many people widely receive it?
As human beings, it is natural to gravitate towards what we like. Children are human beings from scratch after all, and studies prove that based on our preferences, we are capable of building prejudice. If that’s the case, is gender-based violence something that we learn from a young age?
Also Read: Are Children Inherently Good or Evil?
The red pill movement’s impression in East Africa
The internet sends waves of crashing information our way at light speed. This data grazes the shores of our minds and leaves impressions. Impressions we find hard to forget.
Amerix
Amerix, a medical specialist in reproductive health and an activist on X, is a complicated figure. On paper, he is an all-around good influence: he acts as a social sponsor for men facing various addictions and finds time to be a civil servant and family man. But he is also:
Urging men not to ‘simp’ anymore, advising that women’s emotions had little to do with men’s actions.
Andrew Kibe
Andrew Kibe, a former radio presenter, is a household name. His reputation, although not always good, precedes him. Despite his background as a religious leader, Andrew Kibe sticks to his guns in advocating for his version of social justice, which involves bashing and disrespecting women in the process. YouTube terminated Andrew Kibe’s channel on the grounds of violating the same social guidelines his counterpart Eric Amunga advocates.
How the manosphere contributes to Gender-Based Violence
In the manosphere, there’s no real dialogue. Only tired, biased rebuttals and generalisations. This secret lingo, little nicknames, and abbreviations might keep the community of red pill men closer, but will ultimately do more harm than good.
A term like NAWALT, ‘Not All Women Are Like That’, is a great example. Such manosphere terms shift blame and teach men and boys to abandon personal responsibility and chase superficiality.
The road to hell is paved with good intentions
The Manosphere, in its attempt to create a safe environment, pollutes the minds of the impressionable young and preys on vulnerable men with axes to grind.
For others, even considering change is not an option; thus, they gravitate towards ideologies they find comforting.
True masculinity
Masculinity comes in various shapes and forms, like different varieties of yoghurt. The concept of ‘being a man’ comes tailor-made, specific to your geography and acquired culture.
Simply, the terms and agreement of manhood in no part say that it is okay to take part in gender-based violence or be a menace to women.
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