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The contemplative man: 'positive' affect and masculinity in ecofascist visual communication
Örebro University, School of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences. Gender Studies.ORCID iD: 0000-0003-4233-7835
Department of Child and Youth Studies, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
2025 (English)In: Journal of Gender Studies, ISSN 0958-9236, E-ISSN 1465-3869Article 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
Routledge, 2025.
Keywords [en]
Affect, ecofascism, far right, masculinity, social media
National Category
Gender Studies
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:oru:diva-120286DOI: 10.1080/09589236.2025.2479797ISI: 001447817000001Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-105000544293OAI: oai:DiVA.org:oru-120286DiVA, id: diva2:1948198
Available from: 2025-03-28 Created: 2025-03-28 Last updated: 2026-01-23Bibliographically approved

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Darwish, Maria

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CiteExportLink to record
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Citation style
  • apa
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