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Podcasts Take Two
Misogyny hurts men too: Elliot Rodger's toxic vision of masculinity
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May 29, 2014
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Misogyny hurts men too: Elliot Rodger's toxic vision of masculinity
The deadly rampage in Isla Vista, like many other mass shootings, has spurred discussions of gun control and mental health. But it has also started a robust discussion of how his views reflect a culture of misogyny and destructive gender ideals.
Isla Vista police identified Elliot Rodger as the main suspect in a shooting Friday night in Isla Vista that left 7 people dead.
Isla Vista police identified Elliot Rodger as the main suspect in a shooting Friday night in Isla Vista that left 7 people dead.
(
Frank Stoltze/ KPCC
)

The deadly rampage in Isla Vista, like many other mass shootings, has spurred discussions of gun control and mental health. But it has also started a robust discussion of how his views reflect a culture of misogyny and destructive gender ideals.

The deadly rampage in Isla Vista, like many other mass shootings, has spurred discussions of gun control and mental health. But it has also started a robust discussion of how his views reflect a culture of misogyny and destructive gender ideals.

Writer Noah Berlatsky explores these toxic ideas of masculinity in a recent piece for the Atlantic. He says misogyny like Rodger's is directed not only at women but at femininity wherever it is found in our culture: virgins, homosexuals or anyone who doesn't fit the testosterone-fueled vision of masculinity held up as the ideal.