The internet subculture known as “looksmaxxing” has recently gained mainstream attention, largely due to the actions of 20-year-vintage creator Braden Peters, known online as Clavicular. From allegedly hitting someone with his Tesla Cybertruck although livestreaming to appearing in a video alongside Andrew Tate and white nationalist Nick Fuentes dancing to Kanye West’s “Heil Hitler,” Peters has become a central figure in a complex online world.
What is Looksmaxxing?
Looksmaxxing centers around the pursuit of physical perfection through body modification. Participants dedicate themselves to becoming as aesthetically pleasing as possible, sometimes employing extreme measures. According to Charlie Warzel, a staff writer at The Atlantic, looksmaxxing forums are dedicated to this pursuit, and the practice often overlaps with other online communities, including those with links to violent extremism.
The Rise of Clavicular
Peters gained notoriety after allegedly hitting someone with his Cybertruck while livestreaming on Christmas Eve. Prior to this, he had been largely unknown outside of these online communities. He has publicly discussed extreme measures he’s taken to alter his appearance, including smashing his face with a hammer – based on the belief that broken bones will grow back stronger – starting testosterone at age 14 or 15, and using methamphetamines.
A Unique Lexicon
The looksmaxxing community has developed its own language. “Mogging,” for example, is defined as looking better than someone else, stemming from the acronym “alpha male of the group.” Another term, “jestermaxxing,” refers to being jovial and having fun.
The Underlying Motivation
According to Warzel, the objective of looksmaxxing extends beyond mere aesthetics. It’s about social dominance and asserting power over others. The pursuit of physical perfection is seen as a means to feel superior and “conquer” others.
The Bigger Picture
Warzel notes that while the content created by Clavicular and others may lack substance, the attention they garner is significant. His association with figures like Andrew Tate and Nick Fuentes, and the resulting viral moments – such as the performance of Kanye West’s “Heil Hitler” – demonstrate an ability to hijack attention and force reactions from mainstream institutions, such as the mayor of Miami.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the looksmaxxers?
Looksmaxxers are individuals who dedicate themselves to achieving physical perfection through body modification, often overlapping with communities like incels and sharing a belief that appearance is paramount to self-worth.
What has Clavicular done to alter his appearance?
Clavicular has stated he has smashed his face with a hammer, taken testosterone at a young age, and used methamphetamines, all in an effort to improve his physical appearance.
What does “mogging” mean in the context of looksmaxxing?
“Mogging” means looking better than someone else, and is an acronym for “alpha male of the group.”
Given the increasing visibility of figures like Clavicular and the complex ideologies surrounding looksmaxxing, what responsibility do social media platforms have in moderating content and addressing the potential for harm?
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