UK Education Sector Struggles with Popularity of 'Misogynistic Criminals' Involved in Rape and Human Trafficking

English Male Students Defend Misogynistic and Sexist Criminals
Education Sector: "A Phenomenon Arising from Challenges to Traditional Gender Roles"

[Asia Economy Reporter Bang Je-il] Education authorities are deeply concerned as a British-American influencer who committed brutal crimes against women last year gains support from British male students.

According to a report by The New York Times (NYT) on the 19th, opinions defending Andrew Tate (37), notorious as a misogynistic criminal in British schools, have been spreading mainly among male students. Tate was arrested in Romania last December on charges of rape and human trafficking against at least six women.

Andrew Tate, who committed brutal crimes against women last year [Photo by AP·Yonhap News]

He openly declared himself "an unapologetic misogynist" and became famous after retiring from kickboxing and conducting internet broadcasts with sexist content.

Several 7th-grade male students at a school near London told the NYT in an interview that they agree with Tate's claim that rape victims bear some responsibility for the assault. Chloe Stanton, an English teacher teaching students aged 11 to 16 in East London, said in the same interview that there are more than a few male students who admire Tate.

In particular, Stanton pointed out that students have started mentioning Tate during class for several months, and some even talk about rape casually.

UK Education Sector Takes Measures to Correct Misogyny Phenomenon

The NYT reported that the popularity and supportive remarks about Andrew Tate are analyzed by the UK education sector as a situation arising during a transitional period where gender stereotypes are being overturned.

As traditional gender roles are challenged, boys have become more concerned about masculinity, which helped Tate, who emphasized male exclusivity and superiority, gain support. It is also evaluated that Tate’s extreme claims, such as "women are men's property," naturally permeated young people through social networking services (SNS) including TikTok.

British students. The photo is not related to the specific content of the article. [Photo by EPA·Yonhap News]

The NYT also noted that Tate’s accumulation of wealth through broadcasts and his luxurious lifestyle acted as an attractive factor.

English teacher Stanton expressed concern, saying, "Tate is brainwashing a generation of boys, and this is terrifying," adding, "(Male students) seem to think Tate is right because he is rich." Gillian Keegan, UK Secretary of State for Education, also previously warned that figures like Tate could worsen gender discrimination issues.

Meanwhile, as supportive remarks and popularity for Tate grow, the UK education sector has started preparing measures to correct this phenomenon.

First, Epping St John's School, located in northeast London, formed a team centered on teachers trusted by students to conduct classes pointing out the errors in Tate’s ideology.

The approach was to instill a correct understanding of crimes such as sexual assault and to teach that becoming a man means having qualities like respect and faithfulness toward others.

Moreover, other school districts across the UK are making similar efforts at the school level. Educators emphasize that since schools are a microcosm of society and a preview of the future, it is important to root out the negative influence Tate has had on the younger generation early.

In particular, the NYT reported that teachers are striving to make students aware that Tate’s views are outside the mainstream.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.