The Many-Headed Hydra of Racist Misogyny

• In Event: Race and Gender Theories of Punishment, Predation, and Political Imagination

Abstract

In this paper, I analyze the underlying mechanisms and connections among incels (involuntary celibates), the Fathers’ Rights Movement, white evangelicals, and white supremacist groups. Typically, observers single out one group in discussions of misogyny and often address racism and male supremacy separately. I argue that these groups all share a belief that white male privilege is under attack and have similar racist, misogynist, and heteronormative foundations. For this reason, we need to pay attention to ways in which interlocking systems of privilege operate within these groups while not losing sight of the connections among groups. They have distinct histories and may have different legislative goals, but they all share a belief that their privilege is under threat. In fighting back against these supposed attacks, embattled white masculinity fights to protect racial and gendered hierarchies. In doing so, they reveal the ways in which misogyny, racism and heteronormativity operate together to structure society and police certain groups and bodies. In addition, I argue that – far from being fringe anomalies – these movements are indicative of societal beliefs and structures of power that impact laws, policies, and political behavior. Thus, understanding what motivates these groups provides insights into a range of recent legislation that seeks to police gender, sexuality, and non-white bodies. So, while incel mass killings are rare, they are based on and emboldened by the underlying structure of white masculinity. Far from the fringe, their arguments and beliefs are examples of business as usual. When the policing of gender and race is seen in this way, the proliferation of anti-trans legislation, abortion restrictions, and bans on Critical Race Theory are logical extensions of the underlying mindsets and fears of a supposedly embattled white masculine privilege.

Author

• Mary McThomas, University of California, Irvine