INDIAN LAWS MUST TAKE A NOTE ON INCEL PHENOMENON AGAINST WOMEN

 

AUTHORED BY CIBI CHAKKARAVARTHY J

1ST YEAR LAW STUDENT

RAJIV GANDHI COLLEGE OF LAW

 

The incel phenomenon, short for "involuntary celibates," is a disturbing online culture that has gained prominence in recent years. Incel communities are characterized by misogyny, self-pity, and a sense of entitlement to sex and romantic relationships.

 

Incels, short for "involuntary celibates," are a subset of the online community made up of men who blame women for their lack of sexual and romantic success. Incels believe that they are entitled to sex and relationships with women, and when they do not receive the attention they feel they deserve, they often turn to promoting hate and violence against women.

 

While the incel movement has largely been associated with Western countries, it has also found a following in India. Some Indian men who identify as incels express frustration and anger towards women, blaming them for their perceived lack of success in dating and relationships.

 

There have been reports of Indian incels engaging in toxic online behavior, such as posting hateful messages towards women or advocating for violence against them.

 

POTENTIAL CAUSES FOR THE INCEL PHENOMENON IN INDIA:

1. Gender inequality: India has a long history of gender inequality, with women often facing discrimination and violence. This leads to frustration and anger among some men who feel entitled to women's attention and companionship.

 

2. Traditional gender roles: In Indian society, traditional gender roles can create pressure on men to be the breadwinners and providers for their families. Men who are unable to fulfill these roles feel emasculated and inadequate, leading to feelings of resentment and inadequacy.

 

3. Social isolation: With the rise of technology and social media, many people, including men who identify as incels, may be spending more time online rather than engaging in face-to-face social interactions. This exacerbates feelings of loneliness and isolation, making it harder for individuals to form meaningful relationships.

 

4. Cultural expectations: Indian culture places a strong emphasis on marriage and family, and individuals who are unable to find a partner may face stigma and social alienation. This pressure to conform to societal expectations can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and frustration.

 

5. Misogyny: Some incels may hold misogynistic beliefs and view women as objects to be obtained rather than individuals with their own agency and autonomy. This toxic mindset can lead to hostility towards women and perpetuate negative attitudes towards relationships and dating.

 

Indian patriarchal society plays a significant role in the rise of incels, or involuntary celibates, in the country. In a patriarchal society like India, men are often expected to conform to traditional gender roles and expectations, which can lead to feelings of entitlement and resentment when those expectations are not met.

 

In Indian society, there is a strong emphasis on masculinity and virility, and men are often pressured to assert their dominance and control over women. This can create toxic attitudes towards women, where they are seen as objects to be pursued and conquered, rather than individuals with their own autonomy and agency.

 

In this context, incels feel frustrated and angry when they are unable to attract or form relationships with women, leading to feelings of isolation, insecurity, and resentment towards both women and society as a whole. This manifests in online communities where incels engage in misogynistic rhetoric and blame women for their own perceived shortcomings.

 

Indian patriarchal society exacerbates toxic masculinity and entitlement that often underlie the incel mindset, creating a breeding ground for misogynistic attitudes and behaviors.

 

INCELS PROMOTE HATE CRIMES AS FOLLOWS:

1. Misogynistic rhetoric: Incels frequently use derogatory language and derogatory terms to refer to women. They often dehumanize and objectify women, viewing them as sexual objects rather than as full human beings. This dehumanization can lead to a lack of empathy towards women and justify violence against them in the minds of incels.

 

2. Encouraging violence: Within incel forums and online communities, members often pressure each other to commit acts of violence against women or society at large. They share stories and fantasies of violence, including rape and murder, and encourage each other to act on their most extreme and hateful impulses.

 

3. Radicalization: Incels often radicalize each other through online forums and social media platforms. They share extremist beliefs and ideologies, fostering a sense of camaraderie and validation among members. This echo chamber of hate can fuel further radicalization and escalation of violent behavior.

 

4. Targeted harassment: Incels often engage in targeted harassment campaigns against women or individuals they perceive as being in relationships or sexually successful. This can include doxxing (revealing personal information), stalking, and threatening behavior, which can create a climate of fear and intimidation.

 

2018 TORONTO VAN ATTACK CASE

On April 23, 2018, Alek Minassian drove a rented van into pedestrians on a busy street in Toronto, Canada, killing 10 people and injuring 16 others. Minassian was arrested shortly after the attack and was charged with 10 counts of first-degree murder and 16 counts of attempted murder.

 

During his interrogation, Minassian claimed to be inspired by the "incel" movement, which is a subculture of predominantly young men who are angry and frustrated by their perceived lack of romantic or sexual success with women. He referenced Elliot Rodger, a self-proclaimed "incel" who carried out a similar attack in California in 2014, as his inspiration.

 

Minassian's case drew international attention to the issue of misogyny and violence against women, as well as the potential dangers of online communities that promote hateful ideologies. Mental health experts evaluated Minassian and concluded that he did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, as his defense team had initially suggested.

 

In February 2020, Minassian's trial began, and he pleaded not guilty to all charges. His defense argued that he should be found not criminally responsible due to his alleged autism diagnosis and lack of understanding of the moral consequences of his actions. However, in March 2021, Minassian was found guilty on all counts by a judge in a virtual trial due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Minassian's case sparked debates about the criminal justice system's handling of individuals with extremist beliefs and the need for better mental health support for those who may be at risk of radicalization or violence. The tragedy in Toronto remains a tragic reminder of the devastating impact of hate and extremism on innocent lives.

 

Indian women already face issues due to inherent patriarchal nature of Indian society such as revenge porn,voilent attacks for proposal rejections,Slut shaming when standing for their respective rights.

Incel Phenomenon if not controlled,will be the hidden cause for many of ill hatered voilences happening in the country against women.

 

Controlling and addressing the issue of incels in India requires a multi-faceted approach that involves various stakeholders, including policymakers, mental health professionals, educators, and the general public. Here are some strategies that can help in controlling incel behavior in India:

 

1. Education and awareness: It is important to raise awareness about healthy relationships, respect for women, and the negative consequences of incel ideology. Schools, colleges, and community organizations can play a crucial role in educating young people about these issues.

 

1. Mental health support: Many incels struggle with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Providing access to mental health support and therapy can help individuals address underlying issues and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

 

1. Addressing toxic masculinity: Incel ideology is often rooted in toxic masculinity, which promotes harmful ideals of masculinity that can lead to aggression, entitlement, and misogyny. Challenging and dismantling toxic masculinity through education and advocacy can help prevent incel behavior.

 

1. Strengthening laws and policies: India has laws that protect women from harassment and violence, but there is still a need for stronger implementation and enforcement of these laws. A zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and violence can help create a safer environment for women.

 

1. Community support: Building supportive communities that promote healthy relationships, respect, and inclusivity can help individuals break out of the incel mindset and seek positive connections with others.

 

1. Media literacy: Encouraging critical thinking and media literacy can help individuals recognize and reject harmful messages perpetuated by incel communities and online forums.

 

1. Promoting gender equality: Addressing underlying issues of gender inequality and promoting gender equality can help prevent the rise of incel ideology and promote healthier attitudes towards women.

 

Cyber monitoring of incels can be a helpful tool in identifying and addressing harmful behavior online. This can involve tracking and analyzing their online activity, posts, and interactions to identify any signs of extremism, misogyny, or potential violence. By closely monitoring their behavior, authorities can intervene early to prevent any harmful actions and provide necessary support or intervention. However, it is important to balance monitoring with respecting individuals' privacy and rights, while also addressing the root causes of their beliefs and behaviors.

 

I wanted my article to be reportive in nature.Hence,I want all readers of this article to read the references provided separately.They provide more valuable insights.

Important is to address the root cause of the incel phenomenon, such as societal pressures around masculinity, entitlement, and toxic masculinity. Education and awareness about healthy relationships, consent, and gender equality are crucial in combating the harmful beliefs perpetuated by the incel culture.

 

Incels promote hate crimes through their toxic online communities that perpetuate misogynistic beliefs and encourage violence against women. It is essential for law enforcement and online platforms to monitor and address this issue to prevent further harm and protect against potential acts of violence.Challenging and dismantling patriarchal norms and promote gender equality are necessary in addressing root causes of incel ideology.

 

REFERENCES

1.Incel Extremism in India: A view from Global South

by Gurpreet Kaur published on 23rd August 2022 in Insights Category                                   

by Global Network on Extremism and Technology

https://gnet-research.org/2022/08/23/incel-extremism-in-india-a-view-from-the-global-south/

2.How many ways are there to hate women in India? Of Incel, rape culture and a point of no return published on  24.April.2024 by Rambling in the City

https://ramblinginthecity.com/2018/04/26/how-many-ways-are-there-to-hate-women-in-india-of-incel-rape-culture-and-a-point-of-no-return/

3.Terrorism ruling first for Canada 'incel' attack published on 7 June 2023 by BBC News World

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-65829240