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The contemplative man: "positive" affect and masculinity in ecofascist visual communication
Stockholm University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Child and Youth Studies.ORCID iD: 0000-0002-3605-8664
Number of Authors: 22025 (English)In: Journal of Gender Studies, ISSN 0958-9236, E-ISSN 1465-3869, p. 1-14Article in journal (Refereed) Epub ahead of print
Abstract [en]

Masculinity in far-right visual media is often portrayed through intimidating images of dominant, militant men. However, this study of affect in Nordic ecofascist visual communication shows that men are also depicted in meditative stillness surrounded by spectacular nature. Such ‘positive’ representations contrast with the typical far-right depictions of militant masculinity. This paper examines how positive affective communication shapes far-right masculinity, focusing on the trope we call ‘the contemplative man’. Inspired by affect theory and social semiotics, we analyse images from ecofascist Telegram channels that show men alone and together in nature participating in meditative and nature-connected practices. We demonstrate how the ‘contemplative man’ trope broadens the range of available far-right masculine identities and connects men with nature through nativism. We argue that nature in ecofascist discourse allows for ‘quieter’ expressions of masculinity, providing a space for men to experience intimacy, spirituality and pleasure, alongside the traditional militant persona. Such forms of masculinity visualize the ‘blood and soil’ complex through natural imagery depicting outdoor activities such as cooking, hiking, and resting in peaceful solitude. This discourse fosters a special bond between white, Nordic men and the land, offering them a place in the social hierarchy and a role within ecology on both sensory and ideological levels.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2025. p. 1-14
Keywords [en]
affect, ecofascism, far right, masculinity, social media
National Category
Gender Studies Media and Communication Studies
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:su:diva-241011DOI: 10.1080/09589236.2025.2479797ISI: 001447817000001Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-105000544293OAI: oai:DiVA.org:su-241011DiVA, id: diva2:1945851
Available from: 2025-03-19 Created: 2025-03-19 Last updated: 2025-04-09

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Gottzén, Lucas

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Citation style
  • apa
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More languages
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