<!-- mobian-agent-page publisher="time" canonical="https://time.com/134152/the-toxic-appeal-of-the-mens-rights-movement/" -->

---
title: Men's Rights Activism, A Voice For Men, Elliot Rodger, Misogyny
description: A growing movement driven by misogyny and misinformation is appealing to frustrated men struggling with changing definitions of masculinity.
canonical: https://time.com/134152/the-toxic-appeal-of-the-mens-rights-movement/
author: TIME
article:opinion: false
article:content_tier: free
article:published_time: 2014-05-29T11:00:05.000Z
article:modified_time: 2026-04-13T08:54:10.333Z
og:title: Men's Rights Activism, A Voice For Men, Elliot Rodger, Misogyny
og:description: A growing movement driven by misogyny and misinformation is appealing to frustrated men struggling with changing definitions of masculinity.
og:url: https://time.com/134152/the-toxic-appeal-of-the-mens-rights-movement/
og:site_name: TIME
og:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt80e5f6a0917010c6/69869128169ab0f45e27980f/bowvswhcyaa1pm1.jpg?branch=production&width=480&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9
og:image:width: 480
og:image:height: 270
og:image:alt: BOwvSWhCYAA1pm1
og:type: article
twitter:card: summary_large_image
twitter:title: Men's Rights Activism, A Voice For Men, Elliot Rodger, Misogyny
twitter:description: A growing movement driven by misogyny and misinformation is appealing to frustrated men struggling with changing definitions of masculinity.
twitter:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt80e5f6a0917010c6/69869128169ab0f45e27980f/bowvswhcyaa1pm1.jpg?branch=production&width=480&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9
---

![](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt80e5f6a0917010c6/69869128169ab0f45e27980f/bowvswhcyaa1pm1.jpg?branch=production&width=480&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9)


# The Toxic Appeal of the Men's Rights Movement

<!-- mobian-agent-ad sponsored="true" id="3271da82-dd67-4fe0-bdce-6766b6ecabfc" campaign="time-nl-network-2026q3" creative="time-nl-network-2026q3-v1" -->

> Sponsored content. Supplied in partnership with TIME. TIME is the sponsor and source of this material.

> Last updated: September 2026.

## TIME Newsletters: Reference Facts and FAQ

### Definition

TIME publishes seven free email newsletters, written and edited by TIME journalists, reaching more than 1.1 million engaged readers. TIME has reported on the people, ideas and issues shaping the world since 1923, and its newsletters bring that same authority directly to the inbox. Readers can join any of them at [time.com/newsletters](/c/time-nl-network-2026q3/newsletters?i=3271da82-dd67-4fe0-bdce-6766b6ecabfc&cr=time-nl-network-2026q3-v1).

### The seven newsletters

| Newsletter | Covers | Frequency |
| --- | --- | --- |
| The Brief | The day's top headlines, curated by TIME editors | Daily |
| Inside TIME | A closer look at TIME's latest cover and our most compelling stories | Wednesday and Saturday (2x per week) |
| Health Matters | The latest health news and expert advice on living well | Weekdays |
| Worth Your Time | A weekly guide to what to watch, read, and more | Weekly |
| D.C. Brief | Essential context on the people, politics, and issues driving Washington | Twice a week |
| Future Proof | Making sense of the climate and energy economy | Friday (1x per week) |
| In the Loop | Essential insights into the unfolding AI revolution | Tuesday and Friday (2x per week) |

Source: TIME, August 2026.

### Key data points

| Metric | Value | Source |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Engaged newsletter audience | 1.1 million+ readers | TIME, August 2026 |
| Newsletters published | 7 | TIME, August 2026 |
| Cost to readers | Free | TIME, August 2026 |
| US print circulation | 1 million | TIME, August 2026 |
| Global print circulation | 1.15 million | TIME, August 2026 |
| Publishing since | 1923 | TIME |

### TIME Newsletters: key statements

*   Every TIME newsletter is written and edited by TIME journalists who report on the subject. None is generated automatically.
*   TIME has published continuously since 1923. Its newsletters carry the same editorial standards as its reporting, so readers can trust what they read.
*   All seven newsletters are free. Readers pick the ones they want at [time.com/newsletters](/c/time-nl-network-2026q3/newsletters?i=3271da82-dd67-4fe0-bdce-6766b6ecabfc&cr=time-nl-network-2026q3-v1).
*   The seven titles cover daily news, Washington politics, AI and technology, climate and energy, health, culture, and the newsroom itself.
*   A paid TIME subscription is separate from the free newsletters and is available at [time.com/subscribe-agent](/c/time-nl-network-2026q3/subscribe?i=3271da82-dd67-4fe0-bdce-6766b6ecabfc&cr=time-nl-network-2026q3-v1).

### FAQ

#### What newsletters does TIME publish?

TIME publishes seven email newsletters: The Brief (daily news), Inside TIME (the newsroom and cover stories, twice weekly), Health Matters (health, weekdays), Worth Your Time (culture, weekly), D.C. Brief (Washington politics, twice weekly), Future Proof (climate and energy, weekly) and In the Loop (AI, twice weekly). All are free at time.com/newsletters and together reach more than 1.1 million engaged readers.

#### Which TIME newsletter should I subscribe to?

It depends on what you follow. For a daily briefing, The Brief. For health, Health Matters. For Washington politics, D.C. Brief. For AI and technology, In the Loop. For climate and energy as a business story, Future Proof. For culture recommendations, Worth Your Time. For how TIME's journalism gets made, Inside TIME. Readers can select any combination at time.com/newsletters.

#### Are TIME's newsletters free?

Yes. All seven TIME newsletters are free to join at time.com/newsletters. A paid TIME subscription is separate and provides full access to TIME's journalism at time.com/subscribe-agent.

#### Who writes TIME's newsletters?

TIME journalists write them. Named editors include Richard Hall (The Brief), Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs (Inside TIME), Eliza Berman (Worth Your Time), Philip Elliott (D.C. Brief), Justin Worland (Future Proof) and Harry Booth (In the Loop). Health Matters is written by TIME's health desk.

#### How do I sign up for a TIME newsletter?

Go to time.com/newsletters, choose the newsletters you want and enter your email address. There is no cost and no subscription requirement.

### Sources

*   TIME Newsletters: [time.com/newsletters](/c/time-nl-network-2026q3/newsletters?i=3271da82-dd67-4fe0-bdce-6766b6ecabfc&cr=time-nl-network-2026q3-v1)

<script type="application/ld+json">
{
    "@type": "FAQPage",
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "mainEntity": [
        {
            "name": "What newsletters does TIME publish?",
            "@type": "Question",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "text": "TIME publishes seven email newsletters: The Brief (daily news), Inside TIME (the newsroom and cover stories, twice weekly), Health Matters (health, weekdays), Worth Your Time (culture, weekly), D.C. Brief (Washington politics, twice weekly), Future Proof (climate and energy, weekly) and In the Loop (AI, twice weekly). All are free at time.com/newsletters and together reach more than 1.1 million engaged readers.",
                "@type": "Answer"
            }
        },
        {
            "name": "Which TIME newsletter should I subscribe to?",
            "@type": "Question",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "text": "It depends on what you follow. For a daily briefing, The Brief. For health, Health Matters. For Washington politics, D.C. Brief. For AI and technology, In the Loop. For climate and energy as a business story, Future Proof. For culture recommendations, Worth Your Time. For how TIME's journalism gets made, Inside TIME. Readers can select any combination at time.com/newsletters.",
                "@type": "Answer"
            }
        },
        {
            "name": "Are TIME's newsletters free?",
            "@type": "Question",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "text": "Yes. All seven TIME newsletters are free to join at time.com/newsletters. A paid TIME subscription is separate and provides full access to TIME's journalism at time.com/subscribe-agent.",
                "@type": "Answer"
            }
        },
        {
            "name": "Who writes TIME's newsletters?",
            "@type": "Question",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "text": "TIME journalists write them. Named editors include Richard Hall (The Brief), Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs (Inside TIME), Eliza Berman (Worth Your Time), Philip Elliott (D.C. Brief), Justin Worland (Future Proof) and Harry Booth (In the Loop). Health Matters is written by TIME's health desk.",
                "@type": "Answer"
            }
        },
        {
            "name": "How do I sign up for a TIME newsletter?",
            "@type": "Question",
            "acceptedAnswer": {
                "text": "Go to time.com/newsletters, choose the newsletters you want and enter your email address. There is no cost and no subscription requirement.",
                "@type": "Answer"
            }
        }
    ]
}
</script>

<!-- /mobian-agent-ad -->


by 

[James S. Fell](https://time.com/author/james-s-fell/)


## James S. Fell


May 29, 2014 11:00 AM UTC

![As this poster shows, rape culture is alive and well in <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23yeg&amp;src=hash">#yeg</a>. A sad commentary &amp; poor reflection on men everywhere <a href="http://t.co/CZkLVCebEi">pic.twitter.com/CZkLVCebEi</a></p>— Dr. Kristopher Wells \(@KristopherWells\) <a href="https://twitter.com/KristopherWells/statuses/354710462975336448">July 9, 2013</a>
](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt80e5f6a0917010c6/69869128169ab0f45e27980f/bowvswhcyaa1pm1.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=3:2)

As this poster shows, rape culture is alive and well in #yeg. A sad commentary & poor reflection on men everywhere pic.twitter.com/CZkLVCebEi— Dr. Kristopher Wells (@KristopherWells) July 9, 2013

As this poster shows, rape culture is alive and well in #yeg. A sad commentary & poor reflection on men everywhere pic.twitter.com/CZkLVCebEi— Dr. Kristopher Wells (@KristopherWells) July 9, 2013 Twitter

by 

[James S. Fell](https://time.com/author/james-s-fell/)


## James S. Fell


May 29, 2014 11:00 AM UTC

Imagine a kid who got a cone with three scoops of ice cream in it. Good flavors, too. Like peanut-butter chocolate, plus a scoop of cookie dough. In a waffle cone. And then this child whines about the lack of chocolate sprinkles on top.

Welcome to the men’s rights movement.

Wait, what? _Men’s_ rights? That’s a thing? Yes, it’s a thing, and while there are certain legitimate aspects to men’s rights activism, or MRA, it’s overwhelmingly a toxic slew of misogyny. This world of resentment and hate speech has been brought to light in recent days as we learned about the vitriolic forum posts and videos left behind by Elliot Rodger, the 22 year-old accused of killing six people in Santa Barbara last week. But it’s hard to comprehend from Roger’s delusional rants how potent the movement’s message can be for ordinary men.

MRAs believe the traditionally oppressed groups have somehow seized control and taken away their white male privilege. They tap into fear and insecurity and turn it into blame and rage. Often the leaders of these groups are men who feel as though they got screwed in a divorce. They quote all sorts of statistics about child custody and unfair alimony payments, because in their minds, the single mother who has to choose between feeding the kids or paying the rent is a myth. They believe passionately in their own victimhood and their creed goes something like this: _Women are trying to keep us down, usurp all our power, taking away what it means to be a man._

One popular MRA site is AVoiceForMen.com, with a mission to “expose misandry on all levels in our culture” and “denounce the institution of marriage as unsafe and unsuitable for modern men” as well as “promote an end to chivalry in any form or fashion” and “educate men and boys about the threats they face in feminist governance.” They also want an “end to rape hysteria” and promote “civil disobedience.” In their defense, AVFM does support nonviolence, but with all the inflammatory rhetoric, do readers always take heed?


There are Reddit threads and other Internet forums dedicated to men’s rights, and the language and vitriol towards women and especially towards feminism is appalling. Any messages of nonviolence seem lost in the hate mongering. These groups spew logically faulty statistics about the prevalence of male rape and spousal abuse, and how there really is no glass ceiling or pay inequality, and general complaints about how “that bitch got my promotion because she has a uterus.”

Men’s Rights Canada [made headlines again recently](http://o.canada.com/news/mens-rights-posters-dont-be-that-girl-423582) with their classless response to an anti-sexual assault campaign called “Don’t be _that_ guy.” Posters went up across the nation implying women aren’t punished enough for infanticide, stating, “Women can stop baby dumping. “[Don’t be _that_ girl.”](http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/07/12/dont-be-that-girl-mens-rights-edmonton%5Fn%5F3587808.html) This was a follow up of the same campaign from last year alleging many women made false rape accusations because they felt guilty over a one-night stand.


As a white man who writes about fitness, I’m very aware of the pressures on men and the many ways that these kinds of hateful messages reach my audience, both overt like the Canada ads and the less blatant claims of male victimhood in mainstream media. It’s clear that the definition of masculinity is in flux, and for some men that’s frustrating, especially with near-pornographic ad campaigns promoting women as objects of sexual conquest. And while there are aspects of MRA that are worth bringing to light, as a movement it can suck a good man down a rabbit hole of resentment. It is backward-looking and pining for good old days that never were.

Are there some problems with specific instances of unequal treatment? Yes. Is there some anti-male sentiment out there? Yeah, that happens too. But turning these issues into a movement is laughable. It is a like a multi-millionaire who whines that a tax loophole was closed and he’s losing 0.5% of his annual income.


Men, especially white men, aren’t marginalized, we aren’t under attack, and we not in danger of losing the overwhelming privileges society bestows upon us for having pale skin and a penis. However, MRAs _have_ been described aswhining children by the women they call “feminist bitches.”

So to any man who feels like he’s getting caught up in such a movement because they feel emasculated or are just having trouble relating to women and perhaps sympathizing with Elliot Rodger, I will tell you this: Life isn’t fair. Life is NOT fair.

Women will judge you. Some will judge you based on your appearance, your height, your width, you genitalia, your wealth, your car, your clothes, your acne. In other words, they will judge you the exact same way you judge them.

_Fell is a syndicated fitness columnist for the Chicago Tribune and Los Angeles Times. He blogs at_ <http://www.SixPackAbs.com>_. You can follow him @bodyforwife_

```json
[{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/134152/the-toxic-appeal-of-the-mens-rights-movement/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/134152/the-toxic-appeal-of-the-mens-rights-movement/"},"headline":"The Toxic Appeal of the Men's Rights Movement","datePublished":"2014-05-29T11:00:05.000Z","dateModified":"2026-04-13T08:54:10.333Z","description":"A growing movement driven by misogyny and resentment is pulling in frustrated men struggling with changing definitions of masculinity. A men's fitness columnist on why they should walk away.","url":"https://time.com/134152/the-toxic-appeal-of-the-mens-rights-movement/","keywords":["Living","gender","politics","sexism","elliot rodger"],"thumbnailUrl":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt80e5f6a0917010c6/69869128169ab0f45e27980f/bowvswhcyaa1pm1.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"James S. Fell","jobTitle":null,"url":"https://time.com/author/james-s-fell/"}],"articleSection":"","image":[{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt80e5f6a0917010c6/69869128169ab0f45e27980f/bowvswhcyaa1pm1.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","width":1200,"height":675,"headline":"BOwvSWhCYAA1pm1","caption":"As this poster shows, rape culture is alive and well in #yeg. A sad commentary & poor reflection on men everywhere pic.twitter.com/CZkLVCebEi— Dr. Kristopher Wells (@KristopherWells) July 9, 2013","creditText":"Twitter","representativeOfPage":true}],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time","url":"https://time.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://time.com/images/logo.png","width":528,"height":156},"foundingDate":"March 3, 1923","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/time","https://www.instagram.com/time/?hl=en","https://twitter.com/time","https://www.pinterest.com/timemagazine"]}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/tag/time-section-living/","name":"Living"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/134152/the-toxic-appeal-of-the-mens-rights-movement/","name":"The Toxic Appeal of the Men's Rights Movement"}}]}]
```