Deradicalising the Manosphere through Alternative Narratives

The final speaker in this AoIR 2022 session is Vivian Gerrand, whose focus is on alternative narratives that may be used to disrupt the misogynist manosphere and counter violent extremism (CVE). This is not only an online task, as such networks also extend into the offline space, and it must address both push and pull factors.

The present paper specifically focusses on the role of drawing in disrupting misogyny and providing alternative narratives. Such narratives directly address root causes such as real and perceived grievances; they acknowledge the kernel of truth underlying such grievances, and are delivered through credible messages and messengers from the grassroots, redirecting rather than deradicalising by standing for rather than against something. As such, they complement and contribute to structural change, also by engaging and co-creating messages with their target audience.

But the evidence for their use and efficacy is still very limited, especially in the context of the manosphere. They require cultural identity and connectedness, bridging capital, and linking capital, and depend on a willingness to speak out publicly against violence as well as on the degree to which violence is seen as conferring status and respect.

Drawing may be a useful way to develop such connections. Iconography is prominent in the Manosphere, with a small number of key tropes (like Pepe or Chad) being especially popular. Manosphere participants may be willing to reflect on the imagery they use, and this could also help build an understanding of the underlying issues that is shared between Incels and those who seek to intervene in their culture by providing alternative narratives. Such empathetic analysis and engagement can help Incels return from more radical forms of misogyny.

This is a form of ‘calling in’: calling out but done with love. Alternative narratives seek to understand and work with the root causes of hate and violence through listening and empathy, and thus to redirect their anger towards more prosocial action.