I felt genuinely revolted by this programme. After watching all 90 minutes, it felt as though I was covered in something unpleasant, vile, and repugnant. Even now, writing this, I notice how my nose is wrinkled up in instinctive disgust as I recall it.
But all credit to documentary-maker Louis Theroux for making it... possibly. We'll come back to that later.
Inside the Manosphere (Netflix) is the likeable Theroux's attempt to enter and understand the world of toxic male influencers. For those not in the know, these are men who, through multiple social media platforms (YouTube, X, TikTok etc.) preach a message of male supremacy, muscular physical health and strength, and the acquisition of great wealth. Some of them have millions of followers online - mostly adolescent men and teenagers.
But that summary doesn't really do their message justice. There is often also an explicit, unashamed and horrific antisemitism; a belief that while a woman should remain faithful to a man, it is fine for a man to sleep around; an attitude to women based solely on their sex appeal; an unabashed exaltation of living a self-centred life; and a belief that "nothing is impossible" for you if you want to succeed. Some of the videos also appeared to feature men assaulting other men perceived as weaker.
Sociologically, as a documentary it was an interesting examination of the ultra-extremities of a backlash against feminism and the perceived emasculation of men. Some of the men featured also appeared to be reacting against complex and insecure childhoods.
'Sin at its most blatant'
Historically, some of the "manosphere" influencers seemed to stand in a direct line of descent from Nazism. This, similarly, sought to offer young men "purpose" along with brutality and violence, antisemitism, and an exaltation of "traditional" roles for women.
Spiritually, it was a full-on revelation of sin at its most blatant - the twisting of good things (men, women, sex, money, beauty, health) into things that simultaneously brutalise and enslave.
So, was it a worthwhile programme for Louis Theroux to make? Arguably, following the success of the drama Adolescence (also on Netflix), it legitimately explored the toxic landscape that shapes millions of Western young men today.
Yet there was an interesting moment towards the end of the programme where the mother of one of the young male social influencers attempted to turn the tables on Theroux, arguing that just as her son was making money by exploiting people, this was exactly what he, Theroux, was in turn doing by making a documentary about them...
And I found myself, as a 59-year-old man, googling after the programme to find out more about these extremists. Journalistic curiosity? Maybe. But imagine what the effect could be on any adolescent male watching it. Was it a legitimate exposé of wrong - or simply giving more exposure to it?
Would I recommend watching it? My initial reaction was that it is not worth wasting your time on the people featured; it would be better to find a more productive way to use your time instead. My wife, however, disagrees - saying it is essential viewing for anyone (parents, pastors, grandparents, youth workers) wanting to know what adolescent and young adult men are being bombarded with every day. My wife is a wise woman; you might want to listen to her on this one! Just be aware - it is not pleasant viewing.
Anyway, after I finished viewing it, I went and listened to Sinclair Ferguson reading a chapter of his book To Seek and to Save on the excellent Dwell Bible and devotional app.
The section being read was on how Jesus healed a woman with a bent back (Luke 13v10-17). Here was a model of true masculinity; and it did not involve despising a woman who, in conventional terms, lacked health and beauty. Rather, it noticed; it invited; it reached out and it brought new life.
And so I was reminded that true greatness does not consist of exaltation of self, maximisation of wealth, and the demonisation of others. Rather, it stoops to serve, is generous with its use of power, and welcomes the last, the least, and the lost. Jesus shows us the most excellent way.
