Black Manosphere’s growing influence could reshape the 2024 election

A recent NPR Code Switch episode explores how an online ecosystem of Black male content creators could significantly impact the upcoming presidential election, potentially reshaping traditional voting patterns in key battleground states.

The Black Manosphere, which emerged as a distinct space around 2016, gained prominence through controversial figures like the late Kevin Samuels. The movement broke away from the broader “manosphere” during Donald Trump’s political rise.

Nicole Young, a writer featured in the episode, discovered this space during a pandemic-era video date. Her date used terms like “hypergamy” and referenced the “80/20 rule,” common manosphere concepts suggesting 20% of men attract 80% of women.

“I’ve never had to consume so much content of people who hate me,” Young says, describing her two-month investigation into the movement.

The movement frequently cites the 1965 Moynihan Report, which linked Black family structure to socioeconomic outcomes. Observers note these spaces often transform broader societal issues into narratives about male victimization.

Recent polling data shows concerning trends for Democrats. According to New York Times/Sienna polls, Vice President Kamala Harris currently holds 70% support among Black men, down significantly from President Biden’s 85% in 2020.

Sociologist Saida Grundy warns that Republicans don’t need massive shifts in Black male voting patterns. “If you can just get 10%, that would be enough to skew a state like Georgia,” Grundy explains.

The movement’s political influence extends beyond direct voter conversion. Political consultants target these spaces for both voter conversion and suppression strategies, particularly in swing states.

Historical context shapes this phenomenon. After emancipation, Black men gained voting rights before Black women, creating complex gender dynamics in political participation. Community organizing often fell to Black women despite men holding official power.

The Harris campaign has recently intensified outreach efforts, including meetings with Black business leaders and media appearances targeting younger Black voters.

Digital platforms have weakened traditional social pressures that historically kept Black voters aligned with Democrats. Online communities now provide alternative spaces for political discourse and validation.

Political analysts watch as election day approaches to see whether this online movement could reshape longstanding voting patterns in crucial battleground states.