Page 35

Pullman, Washington

T he cohort is sitting in a circle in a classroom in Wilson-Short Hall. It’s the third class in the research methodology course taught by their toughest grader, a redheaded French professor named Amelie Pedneault, whose expertise is in sexually violent offenders.

Bryan is in the seat next to Dr. Pedneault, on her right.

He takes this seat each time, because he knows it means he’ll be called on to present his assignment first as the professor makes her way around the circle.

Bryan appears to like going first. He appears to think it gives him an advantage over all the Beckys in the room.

Becky is a term used in the “manosphere” chat groups Bryan is familiar with. Bryan knows all about incels—that is, involuntary celibates.

Incels are members of a “movement” of frustrated men, all virgins, that sprang up on 4chan in 2014 just hours after Elliot Rodger committed mass murder and then suicide, the act that Bryan studied back in Professor Ramsland’s class at DeSales.

The idea of the movement, started in Rodger’s honor, is that one day the incels will succeed in their “Beta Revolution” and overthrow the Beckys, Stacys, and Chads who have managed to make the Betas feel so small and rejected.

The group is increasingly associated with violence.

Bryan looks around the class. These women could all be considered Beckys, defined by incels as feminists who dye their hair, post stupid opinions, and need to be the dominant ones in relationships.

By contrast, Stacys are stereotypically nubile, used to male attention, prolific on social media, and date hunky, rich Chads.

According to incel lore, Beckys need to be put in their place.

After Bryan gives his presentation, the Becky next to him starts hers. He leans in closely, paying attention.

As soon as she’s done, he begins his offensive. He peppers her with questions that, he appears to think, show how smart he is and how dumb she is.

Did she think about this theory? And what about that one? And had she read that book?

She’s getting annoyed, he can see that.

Bryan looks over at Ben, as if seeking affirmation. But Ben looks away.

Some of the women are visibly pissed.

Bryan doesn’t seem bothered by their discomfort.

Elliot Rodger would have been proud.