ANTIFEMINISM: CONSERVATISM AND SEXIST (RE)AFFIRMATION IN DIGITAL MEDIA

Abstract

In light of Discourse Analysis, as developed by Michel Foucault and Teu Van Dijk, it is possible to discuss aspects that influence antifeminist social practices. This undergraduate research project, whose theme is "Antifeminism: conservatism and sexist (re)affirmation in digital media," focuses on analyzing how antifeminism manifests itself in digital media through conservative and sexist discourses. Feminism is a movement that emerged in the late 18th century with the aim of breaking down gender inequalities and confronting the oppression experienced by women throughout the centuries, and it has been growing ever since. In contrast, antifeminism arose, an opposition movement that aims to use religious discourses to discredit any and all discourse of the feminist movement, as if they were a threat to the traditional "order." In the contemporary era, this ideology manifests itself online with the emergence of hate communities against women, such as the "Redpill" subgroup, which, among other things, criticizes feminism and distorts emancipatory discourses through online forums or YouTube channels, in order to disseminate distorted "truths" they have discovered, and claim that feminism aims to oppress men and give disproportionate power to women. These movements, which are contrary to feminist ideals, defend an idea of ​​a sexual marketplace, where women and men are evaluated based on their attractiveness and traditional social values. They emphasize that women have a natural advantage that favors them because of their physical appearance, while men are well-regarded if they possess material goods, recognized social status, and keep women always "below" them, subjugated and captive. These discourses reinforce misogynistic views and perpetuate sexist statements, in addition to fueling the nefarious and discriminatory conservatism stemming from a supposed religiosity that seeks to keep women under the yoke/power of the hegemonic patriarchy.