A new documentary presented by Netflix, delving into the world of masculinism, has sparked strong reactions on social media and raised concerns among many internet users about a possible setback in women’s rights.
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«ÂIt’s so absurdÂ,» said Lambert Drainville. «ÂHow can anyone listen to this and find it credible?»
In this 90-minute film, journalist Louis Theroux meets several influencers promoting traditional and misogynistic discourses, ranging from statements like «Âpeople believe women want to be equal to men, which is not true to «Âif you’re a woman and fat, you’re worthlessÂÂ.
And although the documentary was filmed in the UK and the US, such a trend is apparent in Quebec: the proportion of girls who have experienced violence has increased to 38% in 2022-2023, up from 32% in 2016-2017, according to data from the Quebec Survey of Secondary School Student Health (EQSJS).
«ÂThis is particularly worrying because it has escalated so much, said Lambert Drainville in an interview on the show Le Bilan, on Friday. «ÂYou have a generation of young men who are much more misogynistic than their parents or grandparents.ÂÂ
This political content producer supports the feminist cause in Quebec, notably through the Listen campaign, an initiative of the Center for Studies on Learning and Performance at Concordia University.
A discourse that appeals to boys
The teenagers’ adherence to some of these creators’ theses stems from the “motivational” rhetoric used by influencers, according to the content producer.
«ÂYou read the comments, and it’s like: ‘I found myself listening to you, my girlfriend left me, and I found the light through your videos’,” he explained.
Engaging in sports, gaining autonomy, ceasing to complain, and obtaining employment: while this message may seem constructive at first glance, these statements frequently hide a traditional dimension that challenges women’s rights.
«ÂThese are decisive things in life, but after that, when you take the trouble to spit in women’s faces along the way, that’s when it becomes extremely stupid and misogynistic, emphasized Lambert Drainville.
Watch the full interview in the video above.
