The recent political climate has generated significant concern regarding the resurgence of misogynistic rhetoric, particularly in light of Donald Trump’s presidential victory. Many prominent figures within the right-wing “manosphere” have adopted the rallying cry “Your body, my choice,” which originally stemmed from 1960s abortion rights activism, as a means to disparage women both online and in academic settings.
For numerous women, such statements symbolize a troubling sign of a potential regression in the fight for reproductive and gender rights. A 19-year-old political science student from Wisconsin, Perez, expressed her dismay: “The fact that I feel like I have to carry around pepper spray like this is sad. Women want and deserve to feel safe.”
According to Isabelle Frances-Wright, director of technology and society at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, there has been a notable spike in misogynistic rhetoric following the election, including particularly violent expressions. Frances-Wright noted, “I think many progressive women have been shocked by how quickly and aggressively this rhetoric has gained traction.”
Nick Fuentes, a far-right internet figure known for his controversial views, is credited with popularizing the phrase on the platform X, where it garnered 35 million views within a day. This phrase has since permeated social media and, disturbingly, has also been echoed in physical spaces such as schools and college campuses. Reports indicate that boys have been chanting this phrase, and even college women have recounted hearing it multiple times on their campuses.
In response, several school districts in Wisconsin and Minnesota have alerted parents about the troubling language finding its way into student interactions. Instances of men sending messages like “Your body, my choice” have been reported across social media platforms, leading to a palpable sense of unease among young women like Perez, who described such remarks as “disgusting” and indicative of a societal regression.
The uptick in violent misogyny is not new but has gained enhanced visibility in the online landscape, with the newest wave of attacks celebrating the potential curtailing of women’s rights. Posts urging women to “Get back in the kitchen” or calling for the repeal of the 19th Amendment have garnered millions of views and further illustrate the current state of societal discourse.
Incidents such as a provocative sign proclaiming “Women Are Property” during a demonstration at Texas State University have sparked significant outrage, prompting university officials to consider legal repercussions. Moreover, anonymous threats on platforms like TikTok have escalated, aligning with extreme discussions occurring in the darker corners of the internet, such as on 4chan.
Frances-Wright emphasized the concerning trend of online threats manifesting tangibly in real life, stating, “What was scary here was how quickly this also manifested in offline threats.” The language associated with Trump’s previous campaigns and his history of misogynistic remarks has set a precedent that has permeated broader social media interactions.
The Global Project Against Hate and Extremism has echoed concerns about the rapid spread of violent misogynistic narratives across various platforms, particularly following the recent election. During his campaigns, Trump effectively targeted younger male voters, which has created a perception among some men that their traditional roles in society are being undermined. This has led to a sentiment where Trump’s victory is viewed as a validation of these beliefs.
For young women, the aftermath of the election feels like a setback for their rights and autonomy, especially in the wake of the Democratic loss and what many perceive as a concerning shift in societal attitudes towards gender equality. Dana Brown, executive director of the Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics, pointed out that some young men now feel victimized by what they see as a feminist movement from which they believe they are becoming increasingly marginalized.
As women continue to gain prominence in educational settings and various industries, the backlash has led to scapegoating, with some men attributing their struggles to the gains made by women. Yet, amid the growing hostility, students like Perez are seeking comfort and solidarity. She and her sister have turned to their close-knit support system to navigate the difficulties posed by the current climate, reinforcing their belief in amplifying women’s voices against this backlash.
Perez concluded, “I want to encourage my friends and the women in my life to use their voices to call out this rhetoric and to not let fear take over.”
