“On Tilt”: The Poker Mindset, Toxic Masculinity, and the Alt-Right

Abstract

Manno explains the groups that make up the Alt-Right and argues that they are animated by—and overconform to—the values of the Poker Mindset. Focusing on white nationalists, Men’s Rights Advocates, Father’s Rights groups, Involuntary Celibates, and Pickup Artists, the chapter examines how the members of these groups are “on tilt” in their racist and sexist grievances. Further, Manno uses examples of mass shooters Elliot Rodger and Stephen Paddock and “pharma bro” Martin Shkreli to explain how they reflect the values of the Poker Mindset.