ADOLESCENCE, the new Netflix series, has created widespread debate and conversation since its release. To call it impactful would be an understatement. It brings into focus some of the most pressing issues facing society today and is essential viewing for parents and, where appropriate, older teenagers. The show shines the spotlight on incel subculture, disinformation, loneliness, bullying, isolation, misogyny, femicide and societal pressures faced by our youth. Adolescence follows a father and mother as they navigate the aftermath of the actions of their son. They are broken-hearted at the end of the show, ultimately blaming themselves, asking themselves if they could have done more – the type of questions all parents in their situation would ask themselves. It gives an insight and meaning to terminology such as 80/20, black-pilling, kidney beans; language that I wouldn’t have been able to comprehend even a week ago. Where do all of these phrases come from? What are they all about? This new ‘incel’ subculture convinces straight men to blame women and society for their perceived failures.
