BUCHAREST, ROMANIA: Controversial influencer Andrew Tate found himself at the center of a heated rant when he was called out by Michael Flood, an academic researcher.
Flood took issue with Tate's views on masculinity and vocally criticized him, going so far as to label him a 'disaster' for promoting what he perceives as toxic masculinity.
Tate's viewpoints have been a frequent source of contention and criticism, primarily due to their perceived toxic nature. His approach to masculinity aligns closely with traditional ideals, which many argue can contribute to harmful behaviors in men.
Critics contend that Tate's influence perpetuates harmful stereotypes and outdated gender norms, potentially leading to harmful consequences in terms of mental health, relationships, and societal expectations.
Academic researcher asserts Andrew Tate is 'sexist'
In a recent interview excerpted from the 'Science Unscripted' podcast by Made for Minds, Michael Flood, a researcher at Queensland University of Technology in Australia, shared his profound insights regarding Tate's promotion of toxic masculinity.
With over three decades of experience studying men, masculinity, and gender, Flood is recognized as an authority in this field.
According to Made for minds, Flood's definition states that 'toxic masculinity' encompasses a set of expectations placed on boys and men that can be detrimental or constraining in various ways.
It often involves rigid notions of masculinity, such as the belief that men should exhibit qualities like toughness, strength, aggression, emotional detachment, an unwavering commitment to heterosexuality, and a rejection of anything considered feminine.
According to Made for Minds, Flood stated, "The term 'toxic masculinity' names one set of qualities that are expected of boys and men that are harmful or limiting in some way."
"Typically, what people are thinking of is the version of masculinity that dictates men should be tough, strong, aggressive, in control, emotionally stoic, compulsively heterosexual and should avoid anything feminine," he added.
As per Made for minds, Flood emphasized that this version of masculinity, which dominates the cultural landscape, imposes limitations on the lives of both men and women.
Flood stated, "However, I think it's undeniable that men and boys also are victims in the sense that our lives, too, are limited by that dominant or traditional ― or toxic ― model of how to be a man."
Flood went on to express his concerns about recordings of Tate promoting toxic masculinity, deeming them disastrous.
He categorized Tate as an example of a misogynist or sexist influencer, and underscored that Tate is not alone in propagating the idea that men should dominate women and objectify them.
According to Made for minds, Flood said, "I think they are a disaster. Andrew Tate is a good example of what I would call a misogynist or sexist influencer, but he's hardly the only man who preaches online that men need to dominate women, men should see women only as sexual objects."
Flood suggested that Tate and similar influencers attract followers because they appeal to traditional ideals of masculinity, where being a 'real man' is associated with wealth, women, excessive sexual conquests, luxurious cars, and muscular physiques.
He further asserted that these influencers tap into the insecurities and anxieties some boys and men experience as societal gender roles shift, providing seemingly straightforward answers and comforting solutions that are strangely alluring.
According to Made for minds, Flood warns that this vision of masculinity promoted by Tate and others is ultimately detrimental. He argues that it not only fails to provide genuine satisfaction to boys and men but also exacerbates their feelings of dissatisfaction, insecurity, and anxiety.
"And I think the reason Andrew Tate, and others like him, are attractive to boys and men is because they appeal in part to very traditional ideals of masculinity: A real man is rich; is surrounded by women; has lots of sex, cars and muscles and so on," he said.
"But I think they also appeal because there is some level of anxiety and insecurity among boys and men," he noted.
"The gender roles have shifted, and feminism and other social movements have questioned some of the traditional models of masculinity," Flood pointed out.
"I think some boys and men are struggling with feeling unsure, and Andrew Tate offers easy answers and comfortable solutions and, in some ways, quite an attractive vision," he added.
A per Made for minds, Flood highlighted the severe dangers this poses to women and girls, as it perpetuates harmful stereotypes and behaviors that can lead to unhealthy power dynamics and relationships.
He contends that embracing these toxic ideals of masculinity does more harm than good, both for individuals and society as a whole.
"But it's a vision that in fact will be damaging for boys and men themselves and highly dangerous for the women and girls around them. I don't think it will give boys and men genuinely satisfying lives," he added.
"I think it just contributes to the problems of dissatisfaction, insecurity and anxiety that boys and men already face," Flood noted.
Andrew Tate urges men to try and deal with his problems
In a recent tweet, Tate said that 99.9% of men, in his opinion, couldn't handle the challenges he faces, which is why they cannot attain what he has.
He also remarked that many men talk about mental strength but live lives that demand none.
Tate argued that if one were truly strong, one would embrace the difficulties he encounters and reap the benefits of solving them.
