Throughout history, men have liked to style themselves as women's "protectors". The image of the good knight defending the "damsel in distress" is one of the oldest tropesRepeated themes, images, metaphors and narratives. For instance, the "damsel in distress" is a trope in fairy tales and romantic novels. in fiction. But the reality has always been murkier.

A new report has found that in the year leading up to March 2023, more than a million violent crimes against women and children were recorded in England and Wales. Cases of child sexual abuse have more than quintupledGrown five times as big. since 2013.¹  

And, most worryingly of all, the average age of the suspects in these cases is just 15. The wave of child exploitationTreating someone unfairly in order to benefit from their hard work. is being led by teenage boys.

Many experts think social media is to blame, especially misogynisticStrong and deeply ingrained prejudice against women.  influencers like Andrew TateAn American-British media personality who has become notorious for controversial videos. He has been charged with rape and human trafficking. .

Tate is king of the so-called "manosphere", an online world where men preach bitterness against women. It has become a kind of cult. And many of its ardentVery enthusiastic or interested. fans are teenage boys.

This is why some experts think the only answer is to ban the manosphere accounts and cut off these messages at their source.

But others think this goes much deeper than Tate. Around half of men who say they like Tate also claim not to agree with his views on women.² What really draws them to him is the promise of success, and they pick up his toxic misogyny in the process.

They point out women have many more opportunities than they used to. Almost 80% of women aged 25 to 54 are now employed, compared with just 57% in 1975.³ Women are almost a third more likely to go to university than men.⁴

This means men have more competition to be a "success", and fewer manage it. They are blaming women for this.

So experts say the only way to solve misogyny is to change men's attitudes and make sure everyone has the chance to flourishGrow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way..

Are influencers to blame?

Yes: Tate and other opportunists are preying on frustrated men and boys, promising to teach them how to get rich while filling their minds with poison. We need to break up their business model.

No: Cutting off access to influencers will not help if men are still frustrated and still blame these frustrations on women. They have to be taught the benefits of equality, and given reasons to hope.

Or... Blocking misogynistic influencers from the internet will not solve the problem, but it may be a necessary first step towards a solution. As long as they are allowed to operate it will only get worse.

FOR YOUR SUMMER READING CHALLENGE CLUE GO TO STEP SIX IN THE SIX STEPS TO DISCOVERY BELOW.