Louis Theroux's Inside the Manosphere: But 'what comes next?'

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The manosphere is a collection of websites, blogs, and forums promoting masculinity, often with anti-feminist or misogynistic views. Algorithms on social media place this content front and centre for our young people.

In this piece, Emily Writes, a fan of Louis' work, points out that his influence as a filmmaker comes by letting his 'grotesque subjects show their monstrous views' simply by holding back and letting them feel safe enough to share them. She queries whether Louis achieves his usual impact in this film, as she believes that people already know about the manosphere. She poses the helpful and provocative question, though, of what's next? Knowing is one thing, but what actions will viewers take to counter the issues?

I think she possibly overstates people's knowledge of this content and its pervasive influence on boys. There is value in parents and whānau watching this, and then thinking 'what next?' Honesty is the disruptor, and I have stated before my belief that we need to create a safe space for boys to talk and ask questions.

You can read the article here, and use Write's questions (below) to engage in conversation with your young person.

Questions to ask your boys about the Manosphere (Emily Writes):

• What does being a boy mean to you? What does being a good man mean to you?

• Why do you think that? Who do you look up to and why?

• What do you think these men are selling you? How do you think they benefit from your attention?

• What is empathy? Why do you think people are labelling empathy as a negative?

• What content do you like online? Why do you like it? How does it make you feel after watching?

• Do you think you hear examples of misogyny, sexism and homophobia at school? Where do you think those ideas are coming from? Do you disagree or agree with what is said at school?

• Have you heard hateful things about women and queer people by people you look up to? How did that make you feel?