Analyzing the Viral Tom and Raquel Video: What We Can Learn
Viral videos encompass a wide range of topics, from viral memes to social movements, and they can carry immense cultural significance. In late 2020, the viral video of Tom and Raquel, which showcases a heated argument between a couple outside of a restaurant, made headlines across the world. While many individuals may have viewed the video as a source of humor or entertainment, a deeper analysis of the story behind the video and the issues it brings to light reveals crucial lessons, such as toxic masculinity, violence against women, and community policing.
Toxic Masculinity and Gender-Based Violence:
The viral Tom and Raquel video showcases a classic example of toxic masculinity, which involves the idea of rigid masculinity norms that encourage men to be dominant, aggressive, and unemotional. In the video, Tom’s behavior stems from his discomfort with Raquel expressing herself in public, which he perceives as a threat to his masculinity. He also tries to assert his power and control by belittling Raquel and yelling at her in public.
Furthermore, Tom’s behavior is typical of men who feel entitled to women’s bodies, which can lead to gender-based violence. In the video, Tom tries to intimidate Raquel by getting physically close to her and shouting, which can be intimidating and intimidating. Although the video doesn’t show any physical violence, Tom’s behavior is still considered abusive and violent.
The video provides an opportunity for individuals to recognize the importance of dismantling toxic masculinity and addressing gender-based violence. Instead of dismissing Tom’s behavior as concerning, it is crucial to acknowledge that his actions are part of a larger societal issue. It is essential for individuals to work to unlearn toxic masculinity and support women in their struggles against gender-based violence.
Community Policing:
Another aspect that the Tom and Raquel video highlights is the failure of the police and the community to effectively address domestic violence. In the video, a bystander tries to intervene between Tom and Raquel, but the police are called in to restore order. However, once the police arrive, they fail to address the root cause of the conflict – Tom’s aggression and toxicity – and instead focus on removing Raquel from the situation.
Furthermore, the video also shows that the police treat Raquel with suspicion and assume that she is the aggressor because she is the one who appears hysterical. This phenomenon, referred to as the “hysterical female stereotype,” has been documented by researchers in numerous studies involving interactions between women and the police. This stereotype unfairly puts the blame on women and can lead to further abuse and marginalization.
As a community, it is crucial to take a different approach to policing domestic violence structures. Instead of seeing it as a domestic dispute, it should be treated as domestic violence, which can guide the community to take a more holistic approach to addressing the root cause of the violence.
Challenging Social Constructs:
Finally, the Tom and Raquel video provides an opportunity for the larger society to challenge social constructs. Despite Tom’s behavior being replicated by many men in society, it is considered normal and acceptable. However, society needs to challenge such norms to unlearn toxic masculinity and prevent gender-based violence. Furthermore, the video also exposes the stigma associated with seeking help for domestic violence, particularly for men.
To address this issue, society must provide safe spaces for men to seek help for toxic masculinity and aggression. Additionally, society needs to challenge the idea that women who speak up or react to violence are “hysterical” when they are emotional. Instead, emotional reactions can be seen as an expression of trauma, fear, pain, and so on.
In conclusion, the Tom and Raquel video is a wakeup call for society to address vital issues such as toxic masculinity, community policing, and challenging social constructs. It highlights the importance for society to unlearn misogyny and toxic masculinity while advocating for violence-free relationships. The video further shows us that, as a society, we need to create a safe and inclusive environment to support victims of gender-based violence. When we do this, we create an environment where everyone, regardless of gender, can live a life free from the fear of violence.
