From New Lines Magazine.
Even though his lifestyle is directly contradictory to Islam, the convert’s fan base turns a blind eye and embraces his far-right message
At first glance, Andrew Tate is easy to dismiss as a product of an online culture that packages inflammatory anti-women narratives with quick buck hustling and aggressive gym bro culture. However, Tate — who, despite his global platform, is now languishing in a Romanian jail — has succeeded in bringing together an unlikely alliance from across the global political, ethnic and religious spectrum, both online and offline, that has come to his defense against various controversies.
Tate has made headlines for many reasons, but two incidents in particular stand out: his conversion to Islam and his recent arrest in Romania on rape and human trafficking charges. His defenders immediately cast doubt on the legitimacy of the allegations, pointing fingers at the so-called “matrix,” an allusion to the international system, which they say fabricates accusations in order to silence Tate from telling the “truth.” These defenders reflect a growing ideology rooted in misogyny, homophobia and transphobia that has brought together groups historically pitted against one another, such as the far right and Muslims. Now, these identities are coming together to rally against their common enemies of feminism, liberalism and “wokeness.” Their rallying cries have become widespread through influencers like Tate, whose popularity shows that these ideas are no longer on the fringes of society and can spread like wildfire.
Even though Tate has been part of the online “manosphere” for several years now, it was only last year that he went viral on various social media platforms. This was no coincidence. Through Tate’s “Hustler University,” an online training course that claims to teach people how to be successful and wealthy, subscribers are encouraged to promote short videos on apps like TikTok to rile up viewers by broadcasting some of his most inflammatory statements, such as justifying the physical abuse of women. Tate has mastered the science of manipulating social media algorithms to broadcast his message, which is often countered by users who respond or “stitch” the videos with their disapproving reactions. This cycle of controversy and outrage keeps his name trending and generates curiosity among viewers.
In 2022, Tate announced that he had converted to Islam, indicating a cross-cultural appeal that makes him stand out from others. Coinciding with a growing distrust in institutions and mainstream media across fringe groups (including far-right, far-left and nonpolitical conspiracists like anti-vaxxers), these groups were drawn to Tate’s content, often for similar reasons rooted in mistrust and anger at mainstream society.
The intersectionality between elements of the manosphere and far-right extremism has been documented by groups such as the Southern Poverty Law Center and researchers across the globe. Last year, my colleague Lydia Wilson wrote about the popularity of Canadian psychologist Jordan Peterson among many Arabs and Muslims, noting that his conservative, father figure and family man persona resonates with many who hold traditional values dear and are increasingly wary of liberalism gaining traction in their communities. Many women in patriarchal settings appreciate Peterson’s approach to gender roles, marriage and family no less than men do. Muslim scholars and fans alike had openly encouraged Peterson to embrace Islam, claiming that he was already Muslim but “just doesn’t know it yet.” His lectures praising patriarchal systems echo much of what scholars and preachers in the Muslim world have been saying for decades. But, as Wilson noted in her essay, Peterson’s flirting with the far right and Christian fundamentalism did not appear to bother his Muslim fans. To the contrary, his religious devotion, even if not to Islam, endeared him to many Muslims at a time when the idea of a global war on religion waged by secular forces is growing.
Rasha Al Aqeedi is an Iraqi writer, researcher and analyst.
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