In this episode of Pairings, Amile and Phoebe explore the rise of the Manosphere and the appeal of the so-called red pill. They reflect on the promises offered by its figureheads, and the way that insecurity can harden into ideology, and at times extremism. From the pickup artists of the early noughties to the Looksmaxxers and Incels of present day, they trace the shifting language of online masculinity. In doing so, they consider the stories men are being told about themselves, and the world.

This episode pairs well with:

• Lost Boys by James Bloodworth
• The Will To Change by bell hooks
• The Matrix (1999), dir by The Wachowskis
• Adolescence (TV series) dir by Philip Barantini
• A smoky mezcalita in a Tajín-rimmed whiskey glass
• Striking up a conversation with a stranger in real life

Happy listening,

A&P

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