The pill symbolism has also been taken up by the alt-right and cuts across a variety of conspiracy theories, from the claim of feminism controlling the world to shadowy global elites influencing public opinion. Red pillers awaken to the “truth” that socially, economically and sexually, men are at the whims of women’s (and feminists’) power and desires. As researchers Megan Kelly, Alex DiBranco and Julia DeCook write: In the manosphere, those who have been “red-pilled” see the world as it really is, understanding the so-called “real” nature of women’s behaviour and dating preferences. If he takes the red pill, he will be released into the “real world”, where the curtain is pulled back and the truth is revealed. If he takes the blue pill, he will continue to exist in the world as he knows it, which is actually a simulation controlled by sentient machines who have enslaved humanity as a power source. In the film, protagonist Neo is offered a choice of two pills. The cyberpunk blockbuster The Matrix is the source of a key symbol in the manosphere – the red pill. It is a constantly evolving collection of terms, sometimes in response to new issues that emerge, or in an attempt to subvert social media moderation efforts (abbreviations and acronyms are good examples of this). It is difficult to give a comprehensive overview of every instance of manosphere language. Tragedies in Isla Vista, Oregon, Toronto, Tallahassee and Plymouth were all prefaced by the perpetrators publishing male supremacist and incel content. And for young men and boys themselves, this awareness can improve their digital literacy and help them resist manipulation.įor police and other authorities, language can be an early warning system to identify men at risk of carrying out male supremacist violence. Recognising how language and ideology are connected can help with deradicalisation efforts, or ideally prevent radicalisation in the first place.

Understanding what manosphere terms mean can help teachers and parents start conversations with young men who are engaging with manosphere and male supremacist content.

Blue pill red pill matrix meaning