In a world of Andrew Tates, think like Bandit Heeler
by an Anonymous Community Member
Content warning: discussion about misogyny and sexual abuse.
I know what you’re thinking. Why is the headline of an article comparing a controversial internet influencer to a cartoon dog? Here’s some much needed backstory to this.
Like any parent, I keep tabs on the school districts around us by social media apps. On a Kent School District discussion group post (side note: the group is not officially affiliated with the district), there was a discussion regarding a local high school teacher who dressed as Andrew Tate for his school’s “Be a Celebrity Day”. Sure enough, the comments section was filled with understandable concern. These parents are aware of who Andrew Tate is, and made numerous comments on not only why he was allowed to dress like the embattled influencer, but if he’s repeating the rhetorical messaging Mr. Tate is known for to his students.
For those who don’t know, Andrew Tate has made news headlines for different reasons. Notable highlights include online classes on investing in cryptocurrency, claiming to be living in Romania because “rape laws are more lenient there,” and debating Twitch Streamer Hasan Piker. Tate was arrested on December 29, 2022, on charges of rape and human trafficking, a day after he attempted to troll notable climate activist Greta Thunberg.
After reading the post discussion, I was a bit distraught. While I did chime in with my own concerns, I also started thinking about who is actually a better male role model. And then it came to me.
Bandit.
Heeler.
Most parents should now be familiar with Bluey, if they’ve caught themselves binge watching the show because their kids wanted to watch it. Attention has been made especially to Chilli and Bandit Heeler, the parents of Bluey and Bingo. Parents can relate to Chilli and Bandit, especially when it comes to being engaged with their kids, giving practical life lessons, and recognizing teachable moments.
For me, the great thing about Bandit, is that he does not pretend to be a perfect father. He gets tired, he gets hurt, he gets angry. Sometimes it feels like it’s overwhelming, especially when it comes to answering hard questions. But most of all, he’s the embodiment of a positive male role model because men can relate to him.
While we can’t all literally emulate Bandit, we as parents can take advice from a cartoon dog.
As a parent, I hope the children I raise become decent, functioning adults with good values. I want them to be able to come to me to ask me hard questions. I want them to know there is more to life than picking out a color for a Bugatti. I want them to know how to respect others. I want them to know about consent. I want them to know that success does not only come from money and cars, but also from personal fulfillment, loving yourself and your future partner, and enjoying living their life. I want to try to be a positive male role model for my kids. I understand that I may not have the answers, but misogyny is definitely not one of them.
For parents, we need to have a thorough discussion with our kids about Tate and others like him. We also need to be aware of what media our children are consuming. It’s hard. Definitely hard. But with the rise of Virtual Manhood Acts being shared on social media, we as parents need to be aware of this, and know how to explain online behavior. The big advantage that we as parents have is that we can also access information, and get advice on how to approach our kids regarding Tate.
I wish I had better advice for everyone, but I’m not perfect. And neither is Bandit. But we can at least try to talk about it. And it’s got to be done.
This article was written by a community member who wished to remain anonymous, and provided to the Tahoma Values website. Do you have an article you would like to publish on our site? Please contact Tahoma Values at TahomaValues@gmail.com