'WARPED VIEW' |
Simon Harris said Netflix’s TV drama Adolescence should be “compulsory viewing in secondary schools around the country”
Andrew Tate (left) and Conor McGregor
Andrew Tate (left) and Conor McGregor
Erin Doherty as clinical psychologist Briony Ariston and Owen Cooper as Jamie Miller in Adolescence (Netflix)
Erin Doherty as clinical psychologist Briony Ariston and Owen Cooper as Jamie Miller in Adolescence (Netflix)
Senan Molony
Today at 21:15
Conor McGregor and Andrew Tate should not be social media influencers but instead "social pariahs," Tánaiste Simon Harris has said.
In addition, he said the Netflix series Adolescence should be "compulsory viewing in all our secondary schools, right across this country”.
The TV show, which focusses on youngsters influenced by misogyny and the world of incels (involuntary celibates) "has really provided a glimpse into how social media influencers are filling a void in young men's lives," Mr Harris said.
"In fact, I believe Adolescence should be compulsory viewing in all our secondary schools right across this country.
"Social media has such an influence on young lives, and that's why I think, in Europe and Ireland, we need to be true to our values, even if others in the other parts of the world decide to go a different way."
Erin Doherty as clinical psychologist Briony Ariston and Owen Cooper as Jamie Miller in Adolescence (Netflix)
Erin Doherty as clinical psychologist Briony Ariston and Owen Cooper as Jamie Miller in Adolescence (Netflix)
The Fine Gael leader added: "These so-called influencers are feeding young men a warped view of what it is to be a man.
"And, let us be clear, the likes of Conor McGregor and Andrew Tate should not be social media influencers. They should be social pariahs.
"Their behaviour is wrong. It's retrograde. It's degrading. It's damaging.
"They are normalising behaviour that is totally and utterly unacceptable. And everybody in this House should speak with one voice in relation to this -- not social media influencers, but social pariahs."
The remarks come after Solidarity-PBP Deputy Ruth Coppinger told the Dáil that "two rapists" had met in the Oval Office, referring to Conor McGregor's meeting with US president Donald Trump.
Both the Taoiseach and Tánaiste have since made clear that Mr McGregor does not speak for the Irish people.