The Electric Appeal of Andrew Tate

Episode 78 -

Andrew Tate is an internet sensation whose celebrity status was raised to a new level in 2022, a year that counted him the "most Googled" name.  Tate was a kickboxing champion in the 2010's, but after a short stint on a British reality TV show, quickly became known for his controversial commentary and "ultra-masculine" persona.  That combination of controversy and quick stardom won him many enemies; he soon found himself cancelled on social media and fresh fodder for all manner of media criticism. 

Ben hovers his hand over a hot-button, current headliner as lead critic in this episode, while Chad takes the rare role (for him) of the uncorked droner and co-host.  The two compare two Tate articles and offer their own analysis of this phenomenon.  Should we place the blame at the feet of Tate when young boys act badly in imitation of his influencer antics?  How does Tate's recent conversion to Islam illustrate a unique but common blend of religion and politics?  What does Andrew Tate ultimately signify in our modern cultural context? 

SHOW NOTES:

 Article 1, from Education Week:  Misogynist Influencer Andrew Tate Has Captured Boys' Attention. What Teachers Need to Know (edweek.org)
 
Article 2, from The Free Press:   Embracing Islam to Own the Libs (thefp.com)

Piers Morgan interview:  Andrew Tate vs Piers Morgan | The Full Interview - YouTube