Ongoing Analysis of Netflix’s “Adolescence”
Despite the fact that “Adolescence” premiered on Netflix two weeks ago, audiences continue to dissect its scenes, uncover subtle hints, and search for deeper meanings within the critically-acclaimed four-part series. The narrative follows the story of 13-year-old Jamie Miller, portrayed by Owen Cooper, who is accused of murdering his classmate Katie (Emilia Holliday) after her rejection of his advances, labeling him as an incel.
Hidden Meaning in Emojis
A notable topic of discussion has emerged surrounding the seemingly harmless emojis that Katie commented on Jamie’s Instagram posts, as they reveal a spectrum of concealed meanings.
The 80/20 Rule Unpacked
One such emoji is the 100 emoji (💯), which in episode two, student Adam (Amari Bacchus) informs his police officer father is a representation of the infamous 80/20 rule. He elaborates, stating, “80% of women are drawn to 20% of men. Women need to be deceived to be attracted, as they won’t naturally desire you. The majority of women are out of reach; she’s suggesting he’ll forever be an incel.”
Jamie’s Reflection
After his arrest, Jamie discusses his insights with psychologist Briony Ariston (Erin Doherty). He expresses, “She’s indicating I’m part of those truth groups that argue women don’t want us and are indifferent,” citing incel communities. Although Jamie denies identifying as an incel, he admits his curiosity about the topic, saying, “Everyone kept mentioning it.” He discusses his agreement with the 80/20 rule, claiming that incels are “correct” in their beliefs.
Incel Mentality
Many who label themselves as incels believe their romantic failures stem from an inherent lack of opportunities. They contend that most women desire the ‘top’ 20% of men, typically the most attractive and traditionally masculine. Many incels endeavor to enhance their appearance, or ‘looksmaxx’, in hopes of joining this sought-after group. Consequently, they hold women accountable for their perceived romantic failures, alleging that women dismiss them without truly knowing them.
The Flaws in Incel Beliefs
This mindset is fundamentally flawed, fostering a victim mentality rather than prompting introspection about why they may be alienating potential partners—often linked to misogynistic views—or acknowledging that finding a compatible partner may simply require time and genuine effort. It also drastically oversimplifies the complexities of attraction.
The Intricacies of Attraction
“Attraction is entirely subjective,” explains sex and relationship coach Lucy Rowett. “It’s not solely dependent on looks; if the most handsome man were to speak unpleasantly, women would surely distance themselves. Attraction encompasses many dimensions: looks, attitude, energy, and personality. The chemistry between two people is deeply intricate.”
Challenging the 80/20 Theory
Moreover, the 80/20 rule falters in the dating realm. “Observe those around you in relationships,” Rowett advises. “It’s not as if you only see women paired with models.”
The Misinterpretation of the Pareto Principle
The idea stems from a misinterpretation of the Pareto principle, which asserts that 80% of effects come from 20% of causes. This principle is often associated with business dynamics and productivity (e.g., 80% of a company’s results are generated by just 20% of its workforce), but it does not contextualize romantic relationships accurately.
“Attraction is entirely subjective; it’s more than just appearance—attitude and personality play a crucial role.”
Self-Improvement vs. Toxic Masculinity
The appeal of a productivity-centric principle like the Pareto framework translating into the manosphere is unsurprising. This community often champions self-improvement, aiming for wealth and social status above all else. However, this mindset typically promotes toxic notions of masculinity: that men should not show vulnerability, serve as primary earners, or pursue numerous sexual conquests.
The Allure of Simplistic Solutions
The Consequences of Misguided Beliefs
This thinking is detrimental not only to young men who internalize it but also to the women they hold responsible for their struggles. “Such beliefs can exacerbate existing self-esteem challenges and may lead to issues like body dysmorphia or disordered eating,” Rowett notes. “Even a complete overhaul of your appearance won’t guarantee changes in your dating experiences since fulfilling relationships rely on numerous factors beyond just physicality. Clinging to this mindset only fosters unfavorable dating patterns.”
Final Thoughts
“There are no benefits to adhering to this fictional, baseless rule,” Rowett concludes.
