Anyone who decides to participate in the dating scene should understand that amongst their dating options will be some people with narcissistic or abusive tendencies. Common red flags among these dating options are isolating their partner from their friends and family, as well as belittling them in subtle ways and convincing them of their mode of thinking.
This isn't just true of dating. It's also true of politics and what people might do to try to win people over to their side.
TikToker and social worker Jess Britvich explained in a recently viral video that this phenomenon started with young, usually single, and usually isolated men. They would be targeted for their solitude, and in their vulnerable state, they'd be introduced to problematic, sometimes misogynistic, sexist, or racist beliefs that they'd be less likely to refute without a support group to act as a sounding board.
Now Britvich is seeing a similar pattern on social media towards young women and young mothers.
Some of the most widespread examples she's seeing fall under "traditional wife" or "tradwife" content, "skinnytok," "feminine energy," and even "girl math." Not all of this content is bad or problematic, but the social worker points out that it becomes a slippery slope as alt-right influencers are now creating videos that fall under these content umbrellas and are using them to subtly indoctrinate women.
In the process of teaching women they're not good enough and making them feel more vulnerable, these influencers can then push these viewers to strive to be more like traditional wives, to be "skinnier" and "healthier," or to be more "feminine," including being more submissive to their partners, less independent, and more "trusting" of the male figures in their lives.
It's obvious at this point how this move from being a strong, independent woman to being a skinny, submissive woman could be a problem, especially in today's political climate.
You can watch Britvich's first video here:
Soon after, Britvich shared a part two of the first video, in which she focuses on celebrity gossip, "hot tea," and further feminine influencing. These tea channels often subconsciously support male figures while questioning women, which can further perpetuate some of the teachings Britvich warned about in her previous video.
You can watch the second video here:
Some missed being able to watch their favorite videos without having to worry about underlying messaging.
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Since posting these videos, Britvich has shared a "What now?" video, like what we're supposed to do now that we're aware that this is a problem, and the best the social worker believes we can do is to stay self-aware and keep questioning. Completing cutting these topics out of our lives would not be realistic, helpful, or fun, but it's important to question what these videos might be teaching us.
It's totally okay to look for inspiration and help when trying to have a healthier lifestyle for the purpose of actually improving our health, or learning more about bread-making or homesteading as a potential hobby, income opportunity, or way to save money. It can even be true of following celebrity news or tarot readers.
What's important to remember, though, is what the undertones of these videos might be. Is this just fun drama to listen to, or is there inherent sexism in the reporting? Is this just a recipe video, or is it suggesting that you'd be a better woman if you were among the women making this bread?
While it might not feel like a big deal, enough messaging like this can make a huge difference.
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