Blog 2: Masculinity as Homophobia

by Theodore Galiatsatos – March 26th, 2024

When considering the definition of the word “homophobia”, the first thought that comes to mind is often its definition as the irrational fear of LGBTQIA+ individuals. However, when considering the definition of the word from a masculine perspective, it can also be considered literally: “homo” and “phobia”, meaning an irrational fear of men. By dissecting the word “homophobia” into its components -”homo” and “phobia” – Michael S. Kimmel unveils a new and profound insight in his work Masculinity as Homophobia: at its core, homophobia may also signify a personal dread of not meeting the societal standards of masculinity – standards that can change from one place to the next. Through this masculine lens, homophobia becomes a manifestation, or paranoia, of the fear that other men will expose one’s inadequacies, leaving one vulnerable to emasculation. In Masculinity as Homophobia, Kimmel defines homophobia as “the fear (or paranoia) that other men will unmask us, emasculate us, reveal to us and the world that we do not measure up, that we are not real men” (Kimmel 1), further promoting this idea. Masculinity as Homophobia develops this definition even further in an attempt to explain why men act a certain way – out of fear that they would be deemed unmasculine by others – and why certain extremist groups can be formed from this paranoia. Examples that prove Kimmel’s definition can be found in publications other than texts, such as VICE News’ Charlottesville: Race and Terror and The Fifth Estate’s Inside Incel: Alek Minassian and Online Misogyny, as well as public speeches such as the talk from Will James.

Kimmel’s definition resonates with a large number of men, since most men share this paranoia. It is known that the definition of masculinity is constructed around rigid norms and expectations. Within this construct, any deviation from the prescribed ideals of manhood can evoke anxiety and insecurity in men, since others might pick up on these deviations and emasculate those who break the norms. And so, how do men combat this fear? They usually turn to violence and isolation, since those two methods appear to work best at concealing one’s insecurities. Consequently, individuals may resort to defensive posturing and aggression to safeguard their perceived masculinity, perpetuating a cycle of fear and oppression. Moreover, Kimmel’s analysis extends beyond individual psychology to elude the dynamics of group behavior and extremist ideologies. By positing that homophobia stems from a collective paranoia about failing to embody ‘true’ masculinity, he offers a framework for understanding the formation of extremist groups such as white supremist Neo-Nazis and incels. These groups often coalesce around the shared fear of emasculation, employing violence and discrimination as tools to assert dominance and maintain their perceived superiority as a means to hide their insecurities behind a temporary facade.

VICE News’ Charlottesville: Race and Terror depicts the effects that masculine homophobia can have on racial violence, and how this “group mentality” bolsters confidence in insecure men whilst also increasing their violent tendencies. Throughout the documentary, various groups of white Neo-Nazis are seen gathering together to quell protesters clamoring for the removal of a statue in Charlottesville. Throughout the interview, several violent attacks are started by the white mob, such as the first attack at the start of the film, wherein many men use racism as a means to justify their violence, clamoring “Whose streets? Our streets!” at the top of their lungs. However, most of the men depicted appear to be, at a glance, insecure about their social supremacy as white individuals – their perceived power, once the status quo in a bygone era, is no longer in the modern day and age. By uniting under a common banner, these men find a way to hide those insecurities whilst promoting their more masculine facades. However, these violent tendencies can easily reach a point where they become criminal: near to the end of the interviews, a scene is depicted where a Neo-Nazi drives his car into a crowd of protesters, injuring many and killing one, before quickly driving away. When asked as to why the driver might have done what he did, the main interviewee – a man by the name of Christopher Cantwell – invents a completely bizarre reason, fully ignoring what truly occurred, stating that the driver felt threatened by the attacking mob. Charlottesville: Race and Terror therefore vividly depicts the consequences of unchecked masculinity and its effects on racism, and how Neo-Nazi groups can be formed from the insecurities of individual men when faced with the perceived “threat” imposed by non-white individuals.

Another prime example of the effects of masculine insecurity can stem from The Fifth Estate’s Inside Incel: Alek Minassian and Online Misogyny. Unlike the Neo-Nazis who feel insecure about their surroundings, incels (involuntary celibates) are people who tend to be insecure about themselves and how women perceive them. The end result is rather similar to the Neo-Nazis and how they unite, however in the case of incels they unite in the digital world on forums and chat rooms hidden from mainstream media. Will James, a public speaker who spoke to a group of students at Vanier College recently, further warned the student body of the risks that these online influences can have on younger men, and how these influences can further promote incel behavior online. These incel groups use misogyny as a means to promote their violence in a similar way that Neo-Nazis use blatant racism. Through interviews with former incels and experts, the documentary exposes the beliefs of these individuals, who harbor resentment and hostility towards women for not conforming to their idealized standards of femininity. Within the incel community, masculinity is often equated with sexual conquest and dominance over women. The inability to attract romantic partners is perceived as a personal failure and a direct affront to one’s masculinity. This sense of emasculation fuels a culture of resentment and misogyny, where women are objectified and dehumanized. As the title suggests, Alek Minassian, the perpetrator of the 2018 Toronto van attack, serves as a focal point for understanding the extreme consequences of unchecked misogyny and male entitlement. Alek Minassian’s heinous act, in which he deliberately targeted pedestrians, predominantly women, echoes the sentiments espoused within the incel community. His actions were fueled by a sense of entitlement and a desire to exact revenge on society for his perceived rejection. By delving into Minassian’s online activities and interactions with fellow incels, the documentary exposes the very same chat rooms that reinforce and validate extremist ideologies rooted in misogyny and male supremacy.

Ultimately, Kimmel’s work serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate interplay between insecure men and how they chose to unite through violence to hide their insecurities, urging us to confront the roots of homophobia and strive for a more inclusive and empathetic understanding of gender identity before these violent acts propagate through the next generation of men in our society.