I would argue that the aggressive sexual behaviors of men like Morphew are those that proved to be most evolutionarily advantageous and so more likely to be passed along to a next generation. Until recently, women tended to choose aggressive men as mates because they were so dependent on them for protection. The resulting inclination of the Barry Morphews of the world to coerce women sexually is not only unmodified by our civilization, which is becoming more just, but is actually aggravated by a culture that has freed many women from dependency on men and enhanced their ability to seek men with different attributes as long term partners.
All of these factors, paired with online dating — an environment that amplifies users’ perceptions of being desirable — have contributed to the rise of violent male ideologies.
When this male psychology registers failure in the sexual marketplace, it will often respond aggressively. Those responses become amplified in online forums and chat rooms, where aggression is construed as a response to the perceived failure to live up to male identity, such that aggressive acts are intended to ‘repair’ masculinity in the eyes of others. These men are trying to prove their potency, their mattering, their ability to wield power by inflicting harm. This impression of potency could (in an ultimate sense) make them more respected and hence sexually successful.
I would not be surprised to find that Morphew was a participant in these online discussions.
Although I know plenty of very civilized men who are kind and generous and loving, I tend to disagree with those who believe Morphew is uniquely monstrous.
This is all MOO, of course. I wonder if
@10ofRods could set me straight about this.
!