In recent years, the term “incel” has become more and more commonplace. But what does it mean? And why should you care? Here’s a quick overview of the incel movement.
What are They?
Incels, or involuntary celibates, are men (and, to a lesser extent, women) who believe that they are unable to find a romantic or sexual partner due to their looks, income, or personality. While some of them advocate for celibacy, others advocate for rape or violence against women.
Incels often congregate online in forums and social media groups where they vent their frustrations and exchange misogynistic and hateful views. Some members of the incel community have been associated with violent ideologies and acts, including mass shootings and acts of terrorism.
It is important to note that incel ideology has been associated with violence in some cases, but not all individuals who identify as incels are violent or support violent actions. It is also important to approach this topic with sensitivity and caution, as it involves complex issues related to mental health, social isolation, and toxic masculinity.
Incel Movement and Violence
The incel movement gained national attention in 2014 after a man named Elliot Rodger killed six people and injured fourteen others near the University of California, Santa Barbara campus. In an effort to “send a message” to the world, Rodger posted a video online detailing his plans for what he called “the Day of Retribution.” In the video, he ranted about how women had never been attracted to him and how he would make them all pay for that rejection. He then went on a shooting rampage through the UC Santa Barbara campus, killing six people before taking his own life.
Since then, there have been several other high-profile cases involving self-identified incels. In April 2018, 25-year-old Alek Minassian drove a van down a busy street in Toronto, killing ten people and injuring fifteen others. Minassian posted on Facebook minutes before the attack, writing that “the Incel Rebellion has already begun” and praising another self-identified incel who had carried out a similar attack in 2014.
On August 29, 2019, 21-year-old Connor Betts opened fire outside of a bar in Dayton, Ohio, killing nine people and injuring dozens more. Betts was known to admire mass shooters and had previously Tweeted about his interest in murdering women. According to a report by the FBI, Betts had expressed violent ideologies and had a history of making violent threats, but there is no definitive evidence that he identified as an incel. While some sources have cited a now-deleted Twitter account that may have belonged to Betts as evidence of his association with the ideology, the content of the account is disputed, and it is not clear whether it actually belonged to him.
Why Should People Care?
The rise of incels and the toxic and misogynistic views that some members of this subculture espouse are a cause for concern for several reasons:
- Violence: Some members of the self-identifying members have been associated with violent ideologies and actions, including mass shootings and acts of terrorism. These incidents have caused harm and trauma to innocent people, and it is important to address the underlying causes that lead individuals to embrace such extremist views.
- Misogyny: The subculture is based on a deep-seated misogyny that blames women for their own lack of success and happiness. This attitude is not only harmful to women, but it also reinforces toxic gender norms and contributes to a culture of violence and abuse.
- Mental health: Many struggle with mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and social isolation. While not all incels are violent or dangerous, the isolation and despair that can come from being part of this subculture can be harmful to mental health.
- Social cohesion: They foster a sense of isolation and disconnection from mainstream society. This can make it harder for individuals to find common ground with others and to build strong relationships and communities.
In short, the rise of incels is a cause for concern because it promotes harmful attitudes towards women, contributes to a culture of violence, and can be detrimental to mental health and social cohesion. It is important to address the root causes and to work towards creating a more inclusive and respectful society for all.
How Did the Movement Begin?
The incel ideology has its roots in online forums and message boards that emerged in the early 2000s, where men who were struggling to find romantic or sexual relationships began to congregate and share their experiences. The term “incel” was coined by a Canadian woman named Alana, who created a website in 1997 called “Alana’s Involuntary Celibacy Project” as a way for people to share their experiences and support each other.
Over time, the community evolved into a more toxic and misogynistic subculture, with members blaming women for their own lack of success and happiness. The idea of the “Chad” – a conventionally attractive and socially dominant man – emerged as a source of envy and frustration for many incels, who felt that they could never measure up to this ideal.
The grouping of men has been associated with several high-profile incidents of violence, including the 2014 Isla Vista shooting, in which Elliot Rodger killed six people and injured 14 others before taking his own life. Rodger had posted a manifesto online that detailed his deep-seated hatred for women and his frustration at being rejected by them.
While not all members espouse violent or extreme views, the subculture has become associated with toxic masculinity, misogyny, and violent ideologies, and it is important to address these underlying issues and work towards creating a more inclusive and respectful society for all.
Worldwide Phenomenon
While it is difficult to measure the size of the incel community, it appears to be a global phenomenon with pockets of activity in various countries. Incels can be found in online forums and message boards in many different languages, and there have been reports of incel-related violence and extremist activity in multiple countries.
However, the incel community may be more prevalent or visible in certain countries or regions. For example, the incel movement has been linked to several high-profile incidents of violence in North America, including the 2014 Isla Vista shooting and the 2018 Toronto van attack. The term “incel” was also popularized in North America and has been more widely discussed in the media in the United States and Canada.
That being said, the incel ideology has been reported in many other countries as well, including Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan, among others. Some experts believe that the rise of the ideology is a global phenomenon that is linked to broader societal changes and challenges around gender roles, sexuality, and social isolation.
It is important to note that not all men who are struggling with relationships or sexuality are members of the incel community or subscribe to its toxic and extremist beliefs. However, it is important to address the underlying issues that may lead to feelings of frustration, isolation, and anger, and work towards creating a more inclusive and respectful society for all.
Are Men Having Trouble Finding Women?
There is no evidence to suggest that men are having more trouble finding women than in the past. In fact, many studies suggest that men and women are entering into romantic and sexual relationships at similar rates as in previous decades.
However, it is possible that some men may perceive a sense of difficulty in finding partners due to changes in social norms and expectations. For example, in the past, men may have felt more pressure to be the breadwinners in a relationship, while women were expected to focus on domestic and caregiving roles. Today, however, many women are pursuing careers and are more financially independent, which may shift the dynamics of romantic relationships and make some men feel less desirable.
Additionally, online dating and social media have changed the way that people meet and connect, which can be challenging for some individuals who are not comfortable with these platforms. The rise of incel ideology, however, is not primarily driven by changes in social norms or the dating landscape, but rather by a deep-seated misogyny and a sense of entitlement among some men who feel that they are owed romantic or sexual relationships. It is important to address these underlying issues and promote healthy attitudes towards relationships and gender dynamics.
Conclusion
It’s important to be aware of any group that condones or encourages violence against women. Additionally, the rise of the incel movement is emblematic of a larger trend of anger and resentment among young men who feel entitled to sex and companionship. If we want to see fewer mass shootings carried out by angry young men, we need to address this problem head-on. Otherwise, these attacks will only continue.