The problem with toxic masculinity
It's not what you think!
One of the most unpleasant aspects of researching Momfluenced was digging through momfluencer accounts that either spread misinformation and conspiracy theories (the QAmoms and the sunscreen-is-the-devil mamas) or uphold racist, misogynistic, trans-phobic, and homophobic beliefs.
And unfortunately, once you start hurtling down the rabbit hole of problematic (usually white) momfluencers, you realize it’s a deep, deep hole.
Inspired by Venn diagram extraordinaire, Amanda Montell, here’s my attempt to illustrate this corner of the mamasphere (a corner of which was scary, depressing, and extraordinarily un-fun to research).
The beautiful momfluencer sponconning the “only facial oil you’ll ever need” and brandishing her guasha stone is also highly likely to be homeschooling her kids, ranting about toxins, orgasming while pushing a baby out of her body, invested in “freedom-fighting,” making cynical reels mocking vaccines, curing whatever ails her with adaptogens, and topping her linen jumpsuit off with a jaunty red MAGA hat.
In my research, one such momfluencer popped up in my feed over and over again. She’s anti a lot of things. She’s anti-sunscreen, anti-mold, anti-vaccines, anti-chemical birth control, anti-mask, anti-Tylenol, and anti-caesarean section.
But she’s not a total Debbie Downer. She’s also very much pro-melatonin, pro-sun, pro-castor oil, pro-beef liver, pro-magnesium baths, pro-mouth tape, andddddddd . . .
PRO TOXIC-MASCULINITY.