Paper
The Racepill: Understanding Black incels through an intersectional lens
Published Jul 21, 2025 · Stephanie Hall
Psychology of Women and Equalities Section Review
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Abstract
This commentary challenges dominant narratives that frame incel culture as an exclusively White phenomenon by examining the emergence of Black incels through an intersectional lens. It explores how race, economic marginalisation, colourism, and cultural perceptions of sex converge to shape Black men’s engagement with incel ideology. Central to this is the ‘Racepill’, a belief that Whiteness is the ultimate currency in both dating and society at large, leading some Black incels to engage in practices like‘Whitmaxxing’ in pursuit of proximity to Whiteness. The article also examines how incel beliefs intersect with dynamics within Black communities, such as economic divides and internalised colourism, which may intensify feelings of exclusion. Finally, this article also considers how patterns of violence may differ between Black and White men, and consequently, how violence might manifest in incel communities. This commentary advocates for urgent research into Black incel ideology to gain a deeper understanding of its distinct dynamics and social implications.
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