Misogyny and Male Supremacy: It's not Just a Joke
View the Misogyny and Male Supremacy: It’s Not Just a Joke PowerTopic
Acknowledgement
Special thanks to Lydia Bates at the Southern Poverty Law Center and the research team at the Polarization and Extremism Research & Innovation Lab at American University for their contributions to this presentation.
What’s Ahead
- Examples of male supremacist language
- What is male supremacy
- Beliefs and terms associated with male supremacy
- How people are exposed to these beliefs
- What makes people vulnerable to male supremacist beliefs
- Recognizing warning signs
- Widespread impact of male supremacist words and actions
- How to respond in moments of harm
- What can be done to prevent manipulation
Defining Male Supremacy
Male supremacy is the belief that cisgender men are naturally, biologically, and genetically superior to women, transgender men, and nonbinary people.
Male supremacists believe that men’s social, political, economic, and legal dominance over others is justified and legitimate.
The Manosphere
The “manosphere” refers to a collection of online blogs, forums, and websites where male supremacists discuss, share, and organize around misogyny and toxic masculinity.
Beliefs and Terms Associated with Male Supremacy
- Sexism: Beliefs that define women as inherently inferior to men and justify inequality.
- Misogyny: Hatred of women, often used to police behavior that rejects patriarchal expectations.
- Patriarchy: A social, economic, and political system enforcing a strict gender binary that gives men power and resources.
- Feminism: A movement aimed at political, economic, and social equality of the sexes.
- Anti-feminism: The belief that feminism is oppressive or anti-man.
- Entitlement: The belief that men are owed women’s time, attention, service, and bodies.
Male Supremacist Language
Some male supremacist language may seem harmless or like a joke at first, but it reinforces harmful beliefs.
- “Your body, my choice”
- Alpha, beta, sigma hierarchies
- “Chads” and “Staceys”
- “What color is your Bugatti?”
- “Make me a sandwich”
This language reinforces rigid expectations for men and dehumanizes women and gender-diverse people.
How People Are Exposed to These Beliefs
- Jokes and memes: Misogynistic content disguised as humor can normalize hate.
- Online platforms: Gaming chats, forums, and social media can create group identity around harmful beliefs.
- Algorithms: Platforms may amplify misogynistic and supremacist content.
- Self-help influencers: Some frame misogynistic ideas as advice about success or relationships.
- Offline exposure: Friends, family, and community members can also spread these ideas.
What Makes People Vulnerable to Male Supremacist Beliefs
- Trauma, disruption, and confusion
- A desire to belong
- Social isolation
- Rebellion and angst
- Past experiences with gender-based violence
Warning Signs of Male Supremacy
- Sympathy for extreme or hateful views
- Changes in language or speech patterns
- Wearing clothing with hate symbols or messages
- Belief that violence is necessary
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Fixation on regaining status or dominance
How to Respond in Moments of Harm
- Do not ignore harmful language or behavior
- Do not join in on “jokes” that demean others
- Alert a trusted adult who can intervene
- Support those who were targeted and help them access care
Preventing Manipulation by Male Supremacism
- Identify trusted adults who can intervene
- Advocate for gender-inclusive policies
- Promote digital and media literacy
- Support social and emotional learning programs
- Encourage inclusive clubs such as GSAs
Resources
- SPLC – Learning for Justice
- Right To Be – Bystander Intervention for Youth
- Stop Bullying: Get Help Now
- Not Just a Joke: Understanding and Preventing Gender-Based Bigotry
