The Australian government has announced a $2.3 million initiative to combat the growing influence of ‘manfluencers’ such as Andrew Tate, who is currently facing charges, including rape, in a Romanian court. These self-styled influencers are increasingly spreading misogynistic views among young fans, leading to concerning manifestations of male supremacy in Australian schools. The government’s response comes as a recent study by Monash University reveals that some teachers are resigning due to the open expression of such views by students.
Naomi Barnes, a senior lecturer at the Queensland University of Technology, has been approached by teachers and parents seeking guidance on how to address the ideas propagated by individuals like Tate. Drawing on her research on the spread of misinformation, Barnes has developed guidelines to foster open conversations in classrooms. She emphasizes the importance of listening and understanding a child’s perspective, while also encouraging critical thinking and reminding students of the impact their words can have on others.
Andrew Tate, a former kickboxer, has amassed a significant following of 9 million on X, with billions of views on platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Despite bans from major social media platforms, his popularity remains undeterred. Author and senior lecturer Tyson Yunkaporta highlights the cumulative effect of Tate’s content, which may not overtly exhibit misogyny in short soundbites but contributes to a broader narrative that resonates with his followers.
The influence of the manosphere is not limited to schools, as Sharna Bremner, founder of End Rape on Campus Australia, points out that similar ideas are now permeating university campuses. Bremner notes that these views are not only shared by students but also by some tutors, highlighting the need for comprehensive action.
Australia has long grappled with issues of sexism and gendered violence, with recent discussions spurred by prominent advocates like Rosie Batty, who tragically lost her son to domestic violence. However, the persistence of these problems is evident, even within the country’s parliament, where reports of widespread sexism have sparked protests. Efforts to address gender inequality continue to face resistance.
While Bremner acknowledges some progress in government funding models, she emphasizes the need for evidence-based programs and more substantial conversations on the root causes of gendered violence. The backlash against such discussions is exemplified by figures like Andrew Tate, who symbolize the resistance to change.
Naomi Barnes suggests that social studies classes, particularly those focused on civics and citizenship, provide an opportunity to engage in these difficult conversations. However, she highlights the lack of resources allocated to this subject area in the Australian curriculum.
The Australian government’s $2.3 million investment aims to counter harmful gender stereotypes perpetuated online, as part of its broader efforts to address family, domestic, and sexual violence. Minister for Families and Social Services, Amanda Rishworth, criticizes attempts to link the gender pay gap report to influencers like Andrew Tate, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced approach.
1 Response
This initiative by the Australian government is a commendable step towards addressing the issue of ‘manfluencers’ and their potential negative influence on society. It reminds me of a similar case in my own country where a popular social media influencer was involved in a scandal.
In my country, there was a well-known male influencer who had a massive following on various social media platforms. He used his influence to promote a luxurious and extravagant lifestyle, often showcasing expensive cars, designer clothes, and exotic vacations.