I asked GPT to help me translate the following passage into English, so if you notice any errors or awkward phrasing, please bear with me:
While reading academic articles, I noticed that some scholars regard incels as a male supremacist collective [1][2], and argue that: “Discussion is ongoing regarding the response to violence committed by those identifying with incel ideology, particularly whether calls for securitization obfuscate entrenched social structures which foster misogyny and patriarchy.” [3][4]
However, I hold a different view. I do not believe that incels are a male supremacist organization; on the contrary, I believe incels are victims of male supremacy.
Below are summaries of several articles I’ve read, which you may skip:
Gender roles, as a core component of social structures, profoundly shape men's self-perception and behavioral choices. Patriarchal thinking often includes binary logic—dividing the world into opposites like masculine/feminine, subject/object, light/dark, rational/emotional, soul/body, good/evil—while ignoring the grey areas in between. It also includes hierarchical thinking, where everything is ranked rather than simply different. In patriarchal societies, men are expected to embody traditional roles such as breadwinners, emotionally restrained figures, and symbols of physical strength.
Lindsay, in her study of involuntary celibates, identifies a source of extreme male pressure: the identity crisis caused by imbalanced gender roles. Incels blame their sexual isolation on the harsh societal standards for male success. Through the "black pill" ideology, they rationalize their failures and direct their anger at women and feminism [5]. This phenomenon reflects not merely individual issues, but systemic oppression—demonstrating how patriarchy exacerbates psychological conflict.
Kellett and Gregory, in exploring men’s roles in the nursing profession, highlight the marginalization men face when deviating from traditional gender roles. This “patriarchal paradox” leads to identity crises and societal bias when men pursue occupations seen as feminine [6].
Adil and colleagues conducted a survey of 100 employed men in Lahore, Pakistan, using a self-designed Gender Role Stress Questionnaire and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale. The results confirmed that employed men experience significant role stress, reporting various physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms. Being a provider and head of the family were identified as major sources of pressure, and physical strength as a core masculine stereotype. The study also found significant differences in stress based on age, income, and education. Researchers called on religious leaders and the government to reduce role stress and improve men's well-being [7].
Adisa et al., through qualitative interviews with Nigerian women, investigated how patriarchy affects women’s work-life balance. They found that patriarchy operates not only through domestic gender divisions but also via deeply embedded cultural norms that reinforce male dominance. Crucially, the study points out that patriarchy demands more than power from men—it tasks them with maintaining the gender order [8]. This view complicates the traditional understanding of patriarchy, positioning men as both beneficiaries and enforcers of the system.
Below are some of my thoughts on why I believe incels are victims of patriarchal society (some points include emotional or extreme expressions):
Most literature discussing patriarchy focuses on how it oppresses women, framing male supremacy as a system that grants men privileges and objectifies women. Feminism is often viewed as a response to this oppression. However, I believe that patriarchy also objectifies men and imposes oppression on them.
Consider a basic comparison: Who holds more privilege— a female billionaire or a male cashier? A female waitress or a male waiter—who is more disrespected? These are fundamentally class issues, not purely gender issues.
The hierarchical nature of patriarchy doesn’t just target women; it ranks men as well. Incel discourse divides men into "Chads," "normies," and "subhumans." If you're not tall, handsome, strong, or well-endowed, you're deemed not a "real man"—even though biologically, XY chromosomes already make you male.
You like My Little Pony? You're “effeminate,” not a man. You love anime? You're a freak. You’re shy, introverted, or have a speech impediment? You lack dominance, so you’re “not a man.” Can't get a date with a woman? Are you gay? No? Then you're even less of a man!
Society’s expectations of women under patriarchy are explicit and often criticized by feminists. But expectations of men are implicit and insidious. If you say, “Hey, stop bullying men,” both men and women will retort: “You benefit from patriarchy, what are you complaining about? If you can’t meet even the basic expectations, are you even a man?”
Patriarchal society treats men as a monolithic group and demands uniformity. You're not allowed to have unusual hobbies, a quiet personality, or like anything considered “feminine”—even if those things aren't inherently gendered.
People assume women prefer cute things while men like politics or war. If you enjoy petting cats in Stardew Valley instead of headshotting enemies in CS:GO, you're “not a man.” But Stardew Valley is just a game, and cats are just cats—how is this “feminine”?
Incels are not beneficiaries of patriarchy. If women were to establish a feminist utopia, a 2/10 obese cashier woman would still rank below an 8/10 Chad, even if she's female. The same logic applies in patriarchal society: incels are seen as a low-status group.
Women hurt incels through rejection, scorn, and withholding sex. Why? Some argue it’s because women are “Chad only” by nature. But who defined the Chad ideal in the first place? Patriarchy. It labeled incels as failures from the start. Even if you're average—5’8”, decent looks, decent endowment—but autistic, into My Little Pony, working a low-wage job, without property or charm, you’ll still be labeled a failure. Women won’t date you, and men see you as a freak.
Let me be clear: I’m not here to defend women or feminists. I equally dislike both extreme feminism and male supremacy. If anything, I lean toward egalitarianism.
When men complain that women get easy, high-paying jobs, or when women complain that men have privileges, I think: “Both men and women should be allowed in the mines, on the battlefield, or in the office. Both can be homemakers.” That’s my simple (perhaps naive) belief—often dismissed as ignoring biological differences. But I’m tired of societal expectations.
Except for the elite, no one truly benefits. Incels are sacrifices to patriarchy—a tragic byproduct created to preserve the hierarchy. The real oppressors are the powerful, both male and female, who pretend to care by saying, “I support feminism,” while maintaining their position. Feminists see these people as allies and treat incels as enemies. But incels are also oppressed. They’re crushed by patriarchy and feminism alike, and yet they can’t complain.
If an incel says “I’m oppressed,” people respond: “You’re a man with privilege. You just talk about raping women on forums—you’re terrifying, not pitiful.”
Of course, .is does have disturbing posts like “I want to rape a foid” or “I want a harem of submissive girls.” Are these patriarchal fantasies? Yes. But did they succeed? No. Otherwise they wouldn’t be posting—they’d be out there living that fantasy (and if they are, they’re not real incels—get off .is).
Real rapists and harem-holders are often the successful ones—male or female. Fantasies alone are not crimes. I often imagine my annoying roommate dying. Can I be arrested for murder? No. This is 2025, not 1984.
In short, I believe incels may be influenced by patriarchal thinking, but they are not a male supremacist organization. They are victims of patriarchal society—oppressed by hierarchy and class systems.
If you disagree, feel free to leave a comment. I may not respond—I’m not great at debates. But I respect everyone’s freedom of thought. You’re entitled to your own views, and even if I don’t agree, I respect that you have your own morals and insights.
Here are the articles I read (translated by machine, so if I misunderstood anything, feel free to correct me):
[1] Kelly M., DiBranco A., DeCook J. R. (2021). “Misogynist Incels and Male Supremacism.”
[2] Roose J. M., Cook J. (2022). “Supreme Men, Subjected Women: Gender Inequality and Violence in Jihadist, Far Right and Male Supremacist Ideologies.” Studies in Conflict & Terrorism, 1–29.
[3] DeCook J. R., Kelly M. (2021). “Interrogating the ‘Incel Menace’: Assessing the Threat of Male Supremacy in Terrorism Studies.” Critical Studies on Terrorism, 15(3): 706–726.
[4] O’Hanlon R. et al. (2023). “Misogynistic Extremism: A Scoping Review.” Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 25(2): 1219–1234.
[5] Lindsay, A. (2022). Swallowing the Black Pill: Involuntary Celibates’ (Incels) Anti Feminism within Digital Society. International Journal for Crime, Justice and Social Democracy.
[6] Kellett, P. et al. (2014). Patriarchal paradox: gender performance and men’s nursing careers. Gender in Management: An International Journal.
[7] Adil, F. et al. (2018). The Burden of Being a Man in a Patriarchal Society.
[8] Adisa, T. et al. (2019). Patriarchal hegemony. Gender in Management: An International Journal.
While reading academic articles, I noticed that some scholars regard incels as a male supremacist collective [1][2], and argue that: “Discussion is ongoing regarding the response to violence committed by those identifying with incel ideology, particularly whether calls for securitization obfuscate entrenched social structures which foster misogyny and patriarchy.” [3][4]
However, I hold a different view. I do not believe that incels are a male supremacist organization; on the contrary, I believe incels are victims of male supremacy.
Below are summaries of several articles I’ve read, which you may skip:
Gender roles, as a core component of social structures, profoundly shape men's self-perception and behavioral choices. Patriarchal thinking often includes binary logic—dividing the world into opposites like masculine/feminine, subject/object, light/dark, rational/emotional, soul/body, good/evil—while ignoring the grey areas in between. It also includes hierarchical thinking, where everything is ranked rather than simply different. In patriarchal societies, men are expected to embody traditional roles such as breadwinners, emotionally restrained figures, and symbols of physical strength.
Lindsay, in her study of involuntary celibates, identifies a source of extreme male pressure: the identity crisis caused by imbalanced gender roles. Incels blame their sexual isolation on the harsh societal standards for male success. Through the "black pill" ideology, they rationalize their failures and direct their anger at women and feminism [5]. This phenomenon reflects not merely individual issues, but systemic oppression—demonstrating how patriarchy exacerbates psychological conflict.
Kellett and Gregory, in exploring men’s roles in the nursing profession, highlight the marginalization men face when deviating from traditional gender roles. This “patriarchal paradox” leads to identity crises and societal bias when men pursue occupations seen as feminine [6].
Adil and colleagues conducted a survey of 100 employed men in Lahore, Pakistan, using a self-designed Gender Role Stress Questionnaire and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale. The results confirmed that employed men experience significant role stress, reporting various physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms. Being a provider and head of the family were identified as major sources of pressure, and physical strength as a core masculine stereotype. The study also found significant differences in stress based on age, income, and education. Researchers called on religious leaders and the government to reduce role stress and improve men's well-being [7].
Adisa et al., through qualitative interviews with Nigerian women, investigated how patriarchy affects women’s work-life balance. They found that patriarchy operates not only through domestic gender divisions but also via deeply embedded cultural norms that reinforce male dominance. Crucially, the study points out that patriarchy demands more than power from men—it tasks them with maintaining the gender order [8]. This view complicates the traditional understanding of patriarchy, positioning men as both beneficiaries and enforcers of the system.
Below are some of my thoughts on why I believe incels are victims of patriarchal society (some points include emotional or extreme expressions):
Most literature discussing patriarchy focuses on how it oppresses women, framing male supremacy as a system that grants men privileges and objectifies women. Feminism is often viewed as a response to this oppression. However, I believe that patriarchy also objectifies men and imposes oppression on them.
Consider a basic comparison: Who holds more privilege— a female billionaire or a male cashier? A female waitress or a male waiter—who is more disrespected? These are fundamentally class issues, not purely gender issues.
The hierarchical nature of patriarchy doesn’t just target women; it ranks men as well. Incel discourse divides men into "Chads," "normies," and "subhumans." If you're not tall, handsome, strong, or well-endowed, you're deemed not a "real man"—even though biologically, XY chromosomes already make you male.
You like My Little Pony? You're “effeminate,” not a man. You love anime? You're a freak. You’re shy, introverted, or have a speech impediment? You lack dominance, so you’re “not a man.” Can't get a date with a woman? Are you gay? No? Then you're even less of a man!
Society’s expectations of women under patriarchy are explicit and often criticized by feminists. But expectations of men are implicit and insidious. If you say, “Hey, stop bullying men,” both men and women will retort: “You benefit from patriarchy, what are you complaining about? If you can’t meet even the basic expectations, are you even a man?”
Patriarchal society treats men as a monolithic group and demands uniformity. You're not allowed to have unusual hobbies, a quiet personality, or like anything considered “feminine”—even if those things aren't inherently gendered.
People assume women prefer cute things while men like politics or war. If you enjoy petting cats in Stardew Valley instead of headshotting enemies in CS:GO, you're “not a man.” But Stardew Valley is just a game, and cats are just cats—how is this “feminine”?
Incels are not beneficiaries of patriarchy. If women were to establish a feminist utopia, a 2/10 obese cashier woman would still rank below an 8/10 Chad, even if she's female. The same logic applies in patriarchal society: incels are seen as a low-status group.
Women hurt incels through rejection, scorn, and withholding sex. Why? Some argue it’s because women are “Chad only” by nature. But who defined the Chad ideal in the first place? Patriarchy. It labeled incels as failures from the start. Even if you're average—5’8”, decent looks, decent endowment—but autistic, into My Little Pony, working a low-wage job, without property or charm, you’ll still be labeled a failure. Women won’t date you, and men see you as a freak.
Let me be clear: I’m not here to defend women or feminists. I equally dislike both extreme feminism and male supremacy. If anything, I lean toward egalitarianism.
When men complain that women get easy, high-paying jobs, or when women complain that men have privileges, I think: “Both men and women should be allowed in the mines, on the battlefield, or in the office. Both can be homemakers.” That’s my simple (perhaps naive) belief—often dismissed as ignoring biological differences. But I’m tired of societal expectations.
Except for the elite, no one truly benefits. Incels are sacrifices to patriarchy—a tragic byproduct created to preserve the hierarchy. The real oppressors are the powerful, both male and female, who pretend to care by saying, “I support feminism,” while maintaining their position. Feminists see these people as allies and treat incels as enemies. But incels are also oppressed. They’re crushed by patriarchy and feminism alike, and yet they can’t complain.
If an incel says “I’m oppressed,” people respond: “You’re a man with privilege. You just talk about raping women on forums—you’re terrifying, not pitiful.”
Of course, .is does have disturbing posts like “I want to rape a foid” or “I want a harem of submissive girls.” Are these patriarchal fantasies? Yes. But did they succeed? No. Otherwise they wouldn’t be posting—they’d be out there living that fantasy (and if they are, they’re not real incels—get off .is).
Real rapists and harem-holders are often the successful ones—male or female. Fantasies alone are not crimes. I often imagine my annoying roommate dying. Can I be arrested for murder? No. This is 2025, not 1984.
In short, I believe incels may be influenced by patriarchal thinking, but they are not a male supremacist organization. They are victims of patriarchal society—oppressed by hierarchy and class systems.
If you disagree, feel free to leave a comment. I may not respond—I’m not great at debates. But I respect everyone’s freedom of thought. You’re entitled to your own views, and even if I don’t agree, I respect that you have your own morals and insights.
Here are the articles I read (translated by machine, so if I misunderstood anything, feel free to correct me):
[1] Kelly M., DiBranco A., DeCook J. R. (2021). “Misogynist Incels and Male Supremacism.”
[2] Roose J. M., Cook J. (2022). “Supreme Men, Subjected Women: Gender Inequality and Violence in Jihadist, Far Right and Male Supremacist Ideologies.” Studies in Conflict & Terrorism, 1–29.
[3] DeCook J. R., Kelly M. (2021). “Interrogating the ‘Incel Menace’: Assessing the Threat of Male Supremacy in Terrorism Studies.” Critical Studies on Terrorism, 15(3): 706–726.
[4] O’Hanlon R. et al. (2023). “Misogynistic Extremism: A Scoping Review.” Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 25(2): 1219–1234.
[5] Lindsay, A. (2022). Swallowing the Black Pill: Involuntary Celibates’ (Incels) Anti Feminism within Digital Society. International Journal for Crime, Justice and Social Democracy.
[6] Kellett, P. et al. (2014). Patriarchal paradox: gender performance and men’s nursing careers. Gender in Management: An International Journal.
[7] Adil, F. et al. (2018). The Burden of Being a Man in a Patriarchal Society.
[8] Adisa, T. et al. (2019). Patriarchal hegemony. Gender in Management: An International Journal.
But I'm too lazy to make any changes.
