While Zionism and incel ideology are vastly different in purpose, historical context, and scale, both movements share striking structural similarities.
Zionism is framed as a legitimate nationalist movement, grounded in the historical trauma of Jewish persecution and the desire for self-determination. Incel ideology, on the other hand, is a much newer and narrower phenomenon—one rooted in a personal sense of grievance over romantic rejection and sexual frustration.
Their structural similarities include the use of victimhood narratives, in-group identity reinforced by dehumanization of the "other," echo chambers that isolate adherents from dissent, and the marginalization or co-option of reformers.
The scale of violence each movement has produced, however, is where the most profound contrast emerges—a point we will return to at the conclusion of this analysis.
Similarities Between Zionism and Incel Ideology
1. Victimhood as a Core Foundation
Zionism: Zionism, from its inception, has been framed around a narrative of Jewish victimhood, rooted in centuries of persecution culminating in the Holocaust. The establishment of Israel was seen as a necessary refuge for Jews, justified by historical trauma and the need for self-preservation. This sense of collective victimhood continues to shape Israeli policies today, particularly in the context of territorial expansion and military actions, which are often framed as essential for national survival.
Incel Ideology: Incel ideology is similarly built on a foundation of victimhood, but of a vastly different kind. Incels (involuntary celibates) view themselves as victims of societal structures that they believe unfairly deny them romantic and sexual relationships. This sense of exclusion and personal failure fuels their resentment and anger, particularly toward women and men who they see as having more success in relationships. Their victimhood is intensely personal and often sexual in nature.
Comparison: Both ideologies construct their core identities around narratives of victimhood, but the context and scale differ significantly. Zionism’s narrative is rooted in historical trauma experienced by an entire people and has geopolitical dimensions, whereas incel ideology’s victimhood is more individualistic, centered around personal feelings of rejection and exclusion. The consequences of these victimhood narratives are also vastly different, as we will explore further.
2. In-Group Identity and Dehumanization of the "Other"
Zionism: Zionism, particularly in its more hardline forms, constructs a strong in-group identity centered around Jewish peoplehood and the necessity of Israel as a homeland. This identity is often reinforced by framing Palestinians as an external threat, sometimes dehumanized as violent or as a demographic risk to Jewish sovereignty. The dehumanization of Palestinians is used to justify military actions, occupation, and settlement expansion, which continue to displace and oppress Palestinian communities.
Incel Ideology: Incel ideology constructs a similarly strong in-group identity based on shared experiences of rejection and frustration. This identity is defined against women, who are often dehumanized as objects of desire or scorn, and against sexually successful men ("Chads"), who are vilified as gatekeepers to romantic and sexual success. Women are blamed for incels’ failures, and this dehumanization fuels misogyny and entrenches their sense of isolation.
Comparison: Both ideologies create in-group identities by dehumanizing perceived enemies. In Zionism, the enemy is Palestinians, framed as a threat to Jewish survival and the Israeli state. In incel ideology, the enemies are women and successful men, framed as obstacles to personal fulfillment. While the structural similarities are clear, the stakes and outcomes are not: Zionism operates on a geopolitical level and impacts millions of lives, while incel ideology remains confined to online spaces and individual acts of violence.
3. Echo Chambers and Reinforcement of Ideological Beliefs
Zionism: Zionist narratives are reinforced by state-backed media, educational systems, and political institutions that perpetuate the idea of Jewish victimhood and the necessity of a Jewish ethno-state. Critical perspectives, particularly those addressing the rights of Palestinians, are often marginalized within Israeli society and global Zionist discourse. Dissenting voices, whether they come from within Israel or the broader Jewish diaspora, are frequently silenced or dismissed.
Incel Ideology: Incel ideology thrives in digital echo chambers—online forums where members validate each other’s grievances and misogynistic beliefs. These spaces create a feedback loop that amplifies feelings of alienation and frustration, pushing members toward more extreme viewpoints. Any criticism or dissent within these communities is quickly dismissed, further entrenching their worldview.
Comparison: Both Zionism and incel ideology rely on echo chambers to reinforce their narratives, but the scale of these echo chambers is vastly different. Zionism’s echo chambers are institutionalized, with state support and broad social acceptance, while incel echo chambers exist primarily within isolated online forums. Zionism’s reach extends into national policy and global geopolitics, while incel ideology remains largely confined to digital subcultures.
4. Reaction to Modernity and Social Change
Zionism: Zionism can be seen as a reaction to European nationalism and antisemitism, which marginalized Jewish communities for centuries. The Zionist movement sought to establish a Jewish state as a solution to this marginalization, adopting a settler-colonial approach in Palestine that displaced Palestinian communities. In this sense, Zionism was a response to modernity’s challenges and the desire for Jewish sovereignty in a changing world.
Incel Ideology: Incel ideology is a reaction to modern gender dynamics, particularly the rise of feminism and changing norms around relationships. Incels see these changes as fundamentally unfair, believing they have been denied the romantic success and traditional masculine dominance they feel entitled to. Their reaction is regressive, advocating for a return to traditional gender roles where men are dominant in relationships and women are submissive.
Comparison: Both Zionism and incel ideology can be understood as reactions to perceived threats posed by modernity. Zionism responded to Jewish marginalization by asserting Jewish sovereignty and establishing a nation-state, while incel ideology reacts to shifting gender norms by longing for a return to traditional hierarchies. The consequences of these reactions are vastly different, with Zionism shaping global geopolitics and displacing millions, while incel ideology’s impact remains largely confined to individual grievances and occasional acts of violence.
5. Presence and Co-Option of Reformers
Zionism: Within the Zionist movement, there have always been voices advocating for peace, coexistence, and the rights of Palestinians. These reformers push for a more just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but they often face significant opposition from within Zionist communities. Additionally, their efforts are sometimes co-opted by the state, with peace processes used to placate international critics while maintaining the status quo.
Incel Ideology: Similarly, there are reformers within incel communities who advocate for self-improvement, mental health support, and healthier ways to approach relationships. These voices, however, are often dismissed or mocked within incel spaces, and their ideas are sometimes co-opted into reinforcing the same harmful narratives, such as the concept of "looksmaxxing," which still objectifies women and perpetuates misogyny.
Comparison: Both Zionism and incel ideology contain reformers, but these individuals are often marginalized or co-opted by dominant factions within each movement. In Zionism, peace advocates may be sidelined or absorbed into state-driven processes that lack substance, while in incel ideology, self-improvement rhetoric is often twisted to maintain the core beliefs of the community. This co-option serves to sustain the status quo in both movements.
The Contrast: The Scale of Impact
This is where the most significant difference lies. Zionism, backed by state power and military force, has resulted in systemic violence and the ongoing displacement of Palestinians. The death toll is staggering—over 40,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza alone as of 2024, and the displacement of Palestinian communities continues. Zionism’s impact is global, shaping international relations, fueling conflict, and affecting millions of lives.
Incel ideology, by contrast, while harmful in its promotion of misogyny and occasional acts of violence, remains largely confined to online subcultures. While tragic incidents like the Isla Vista killings are examples of the violent potential of this ideology, the scale of violence is much smaller compared to the systemic violence perpetuated by Zionism. Incel ideology is a fringe movement, whereas Zionism wields the power of a state, making the impact of each ideology incomparable.