Incels vs. TERFs

Attribute	Incels	TERFs
Definition	Men who are unable to find a romantic or sexual partner	Trans-exclusionary radical feminists
Beliefs	Blame women for their lack of success in relationships	Exclude transgender women from feminist spaces
Online Presence	Active on forums like Reddit and 4chan	Active on social media platforms and feminist websites
Radicalization	Some incels have been linked to violent acts	Some TERFs have been criticized for transphobic rhetoric

Introduction

Incels and TERFs are two groups that have gained attention in recent years for their controversial beliefs and actions. Incels, short for "involuntary celibates," are predominantly male individuals who blame women for their lack of sexual and romantic success. TERFs, or Trans-Exclusionary Radical Feminists, are a subset of feminists who exclude transgender women from their definition of womanhood. While these groups may seem unrelated at first glance, there are some striking similarities in their ideologies and behaviors.

Beliefs

Both Incels and TERFs hold deeply entrenched beliefs that are rooted in misogyny and transphobia. Incels believe that women owe them sex and companionship, and they often express anger and resentment towards women who reject them. Similarly, TERFs believe that transgender women are not "real" women and should be excluded from feminist spaces. Both groups view women as a monolithic entity with specific roles and expectations that must be adhered to.

Victim Mentality

Incels and TERFs both exhibit a strong sense of victimhood, believing that they are oppressed by the groups they target. Incels see themselves as victims of women who withhold sex and affection from them, while TERFs see themselves as victims of transgender women who they believe are encroaching on their spaces and rights. This victim mentality often leads to a sense of entitlement and justification for harmful actions towards the perceived oppressors.

Online Communities

Both Incels and TERFs have thriving online communities where they can connect with like-minded individuals and reinforce their beliefs. These communities often serve as echo chambers, amplifying extremist views and providing a sense of validation for their members. Incels frequently gather on forums such as Reddit and 4chan, while TERFs can be found on platforms like Twitter and Tumblr. The anonymity of the internet allows members to express their most extreme beliefs without fear of repercussions.

Violent Rhetoric

One of the most alarming similarities between Incels and TERFs is the prevalence of violent rhetoric within their communities. Incels have been linked to several mass shootings and acts of violence against women, with some members glorifying these actions as a form of revenge against the women who have rejected them. Similarly, TERFs have been known to engage in harassment and threats towards transgender individuals, with some advocating for violence against them. This violent rhetoric perpetuates a cycle of hatred and harm towards marginalized groups.

Intersectionality

While both Incels and TERFs focus primarily on gender issues, they often fail to consider the intersections of race, class, and other forms of oppression. Incels tend to be predominantly white and middle-class, with their grievances centered around their perceived lack of sexual success. TERFs, on the other hand, often come from more privileged backgrounds and may overlook the struggles faced by transgender individuals who are marginalized in multiple ways. This lack of intersectionality limits their understanding of the complexities of oppression.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Incels and TERFs may seem like disparate groups with different agendas, but they share many similarities in their beliefs and behaviors. Both groups exhibit misogyny, transphobia, victim mentality, and violent rhetoric that harm marginalized communities and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. It is important to recognize the dangers posed by these extremist ideologies and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all individuals, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.