(CLO) Donald Trump's popularity in online communities exclusively for men, also known as the "manosphere", has become an important factor in helping him win re-election as US president.
After winning at the polls across the United States, Mr. Trump’s appeal to influential men and their followers continues to spread, especially in Asian countries where gender divisions are growing.
Trump’s return to the top of global politics was greeted with enthusiasm in male-dominated online spaces. “To be honest, I really admire Trump because he is not afraid to face his challenges,” zhtttyzhttty, a major Weibo influencer, said shortly after Trump’s victory.
Sima Nan, a blogger with more than 44 million followers on Weibo, also voiced support for Mr. Trump despite previously being a frequent critic of the United States. Nan praised Mr. Trump’s “transactional mindset” and said he would seek to build better relations with Beijing.
"Trump is a businessman. He calls himself a great businessman. For him, everything can be traded, as long as there is a good deal," Nan said.
On Chinese online forums, which are popular with young people, admiration for Mr. Trump, who won 49% of male voters aged 18 to 29 in the US election, became a hot topic before and after November 5.
A famous photo of Mr Trump raising his fist just after being shot in the ear in an assassination attempt left internet users impressed by his strength and determination. "Amazing. Trump is so strong," commented one Weibo user.
Young men supporting Mr. Trump at a campaign rally in North Carolina, October 21. Photo: AP
The admiration of young Chinese for Mr. Trump seems to be at odds with his tough policies toward China. However, many young Chinese are not so concerned about those policies as they are about his image as a strong, decisive and successful leader.
Similar to the West, many young Asian men are showing an increasingly conservative attitude compared to women. A study from the International Journal of Comparative Sociology found that young women in China tend to express stronger egalitarian views than men of the same age. Meanwhile, young men are still gradually changing their views on gender equality, but at a slower pace than women.
Qian Huang, associate professor of digital culture at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, said that the support of young Chinese people for Mr. Trump is not surprising. "Trump embodies some masculine traits that many modern men admire and consider a sign of success," Huang said.
Meanwhile, the "manosphere," online communities that are predominantly male, are not only places to discuss gender issues, but also include anti-feminist views and advice on health, dating and other social issues.
In South Korea, Jang Min-seo, who runs the YouTube channel RedPillKorea, welcomed Trump’s victory, calling it a victory for freedom of speech and male assertiveness. Jang said Americans elected Trump because they wanted a leader with a strong character who would follow through on his promises.
Ngoc Anh (according to AJ)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/ong-donald-trump-ngay-cang-duoc-ham-mo-trong-cong-dong-nam-gioi-chau-a-post325284.html
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