The Real-life Matrix Theory
Have you seen the dystopian sci-fi film The Matrix? In the film, the “matrix” is the simulated reality controlled by machines in which people live. Sounds pretty unrealistic, but is it possible that we, too, are living in a reality that is controlled by a group of people?
The concept of the real-life matrix is brought into the discussion after the rise of Andrew Tate, the former kickboxing champion and social media personality who was banned from virtually all media platforms after being accused of spreading toxic masculinity and making controversial comments about the traditional values of men and women. On December 30th, Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan Tate were arrested in Romania on charges of human trafficking and rape, which Tate has denied.
According to Andrew Tate, we are living in a matrix controlled by influential people who have to ability to control the narratives of the mainstream media and certain societal values. In the POMP podcast, Tate asserts while explaining the concept of the matrix that “there are people in the world today who have so much influence. I don’t even think that they necessarily believe that they’re doing anything evil, but they think and view the world a certain way, and they use all of their political leverage, all of their friendships, and all of their financial leverage to try to point the world in the direction they want it to go.” This means that the matrix is taking control of what we think and believe, and thus we are, in a sense, programmed by society.
While Tate’s theory of the matrix may seem like a huge conspiracy theory, he makes us reflect on the extent to which we are free in society. In some sense, are we programmed to speak, think and behave in a certain way? Are we sometimes just accepting what other people believe or what the media informs us without questioning? I feel that in the current world where there is a plethora of information and opinions, it is hard for us to critically think for ourselves and determine what we truly believe in. Are we able to develop individuality if society is moving in a certain direction where everyone thinks the same way as Tate argues?
Works Cited:
GATA. “WHAT IS the MATRIX? - an Essay about the Most Popular Cyber-Punk Film.” GATA, gatamagazine.com/articles/cinema/what-is-the-matrix. Accessed 14 Jan. 2023.
James, Julianna. “What Is the Matrix in Real Life? Theory Explored as Cryptic Andrew Tate Tweets Spark Widespread Interest.” Www.sportskeeda.com, 2 Jan. 2023, www.sportskeeda.com/pop-culture/news-what-matrix-real-life-theory-explored-cryptic-andrew-tate-tweets-spark-widespread-interest.
Ultra Instinct Individuals. “Andrew Tate Goes off on the Elite, Propaganda, Media.” Www.youtube.com, 8 Aug. 2022, www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN9Rzo_Vo6s.
