Who is Bronze Age Pervert?
Bronze Age Pervert (BAP) is the pseudonym of Costin Vlad Alamariu, a Romanian-American internet personality who has emerged as a significant figure within the manosphere and broader far-right online landscape. His identity as Alamariu, a scholar with advanced degrees from prestigious institutions like MIT, Columbia University, and Yale University, where his dissertation delved into Plato and Nietzsche, adds a layer of intellectual gravitas to his provocative public persona. This academic background informs his philosophical leanings, which are central to his work and appeal.
Pseudonym and identity: Costin Vlad Alamariu
The enigmatic figure known as Bronze Age Pervert operates under a pseudonym that immediately evokes a sense of rugged, ancient strength and a rejection of modern sensibilities. While his real identity as Costin Vlad Alamariu has been revealed, the “BAP” persona remains his primary vehicle for disseminating his ideas. This dual identity—the academic behind the scenes and the provocative online commentator—is a key element in understanding his complex influence. Alamariu’s academic pursuits, particularly his focus on Plato and Nietzsche, provide the intellectual scaffolding for the reactionary and anti-modernist themes that permeate his writings and online presence.
The core of Bronze Age Mindset: Philosophy and masculinity
At the heart of Bronze Age Pervert’s ideology lies the concept of the “Bronze Age Mindset,” a philosophy that extols a return to perceived heroic ideals of classical antiquity, emphasizing raw strength, power, and a rejection of what he views as modern decadence and egalitarianism. This philosophy is deeply intertwined with a specific, often hyper-masculine, conception of manliness. BAP’s work critiques contemporary societal norms, advocating for a return to a more primal, hierarchical, and aesthetically robust worldview, often drawing inspiration from figures like Nietzsche to articulate his vision of a revitalized, powerful individual and society.
Bronze Age Pervert’s writings and ideology
Bronze Age Pervert’s writings are characterized by a potent critique of modernity, which he portrays as a decadent and egalitarian force that has eroded traditional values and weakened the human spirit. His magnum opus, the independently published book “Bronze Age Mindset” (2018), serves as an “exhortation” to his readers, promoting a state of complete power and freedom by rejecting human equality and embracing a more primitive, strength-based ethos. This philosophical stance is heavily influenced by Nietzschean philosophy, particularly its emphasis on the Übermensch and the will to power, which BAP reinterprets through a lens of heroic ideals and a yearning for a past era of perceived greater strength and virtue. His later work, “Selective Breeding and the Birth of Philosophy” (2023), further delves into these themes, reinterpreting his doctoral dissertation to advocate for eugenics and aristocratic rule, solidifying his position as a proponent of reactionary and anti-egalitarian ideas.
Critique of modernity and decadence
A central tenet of Bronze Age Pervert’s ideology is a scathing critique of modernity and its perceived decadence. He argues that contemporary society, with its emphasis on equality, liberalism, and social progress, has led to a decline in strength, virtue, and genuine human potential. BAP sees modern life as soft, effeminate, and lacking the heroic spirit that characterized ancient civilizations. His writings often employ provocative language and imagery to highlight what he considers the failures of contemporary culture, appealing to a sense of dissatisfaction among younger generations who may feel alienated by perceived liberal hypocrisy and societal decay.
Nietzschean influence and heroic ideals
The influence of Nietzsche is palpable throughout Bronze Age Pervert’s work. He draws heavily on Nietzsche’s concepts of the will to power, the critique of morality, and the ideal of the Übermensch, reinterpreting them to advocate for a return to heroic ideals. BAP champions a vision of humanity characterized by strength, self-mastery, and an embrace of struggle and competition, reminiscent of ancient warriors and philosophers. This Nietzschean framework provides a philosophical justification for his rejection of modern egalitarianism and his yearning for a more hierarchical and meritocratic society, where individuals are judged by their strength and will.
Selective breeding and aristocratic rule
Building upon his critique of modernity and his admiration for ancient societies, Bronze Age Pervert’s later work, particularly “Selective Breeding and the Birth of Philosophy,” explicitly advocates for selective breeding and aristocratic rule. This concept, rooted in a desire to cultivate superior human stock and establish a natural hierarchy, reflects a deep-seated rejection of democratic principles and an embrace of elitist and eugenicist ideas. His advocacy for these principles positions him as a proponent of reactionary political thought, seeking to dismantle contemporary social structures in favor of a system that prioritizes perceived biological and intellectual superiority, reminiscent of ancient Greek city-states or aristocratic systems.
Online presence and reception of Bronze Age Pervert
Bronze Age Pervert has cultivated a significant online presence, leveraging platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Telegram to disseminate his ideas and build a dedicated following. His social media influence is undeniable, with his provocative statements, memes, and imagery—often featuring classical art, bodybuilders, and athletic figures—resonating with a specific demographic. This online persona, characterized by its blend of philosophical musings, crude humor, and aesthetic appeals to strength, has fostered a distinct ‘BAPist’ subculture. His followers often adopt his catchphrases, such as “SUBMIT!” and “ghey,” and emulate his style, creating a sense of community and shared ideology that transcends traditional political affiliations.
Social media influence: X (formerly Twitter) and Telegram
X (formerly Twitter) has been a primary battleground for Bronze Age Pervert’s online presence, serving as a platform for his provocative commentary and ideological dissemination. His account has experienced multiple bans and reinstatements, underscoring the controversial nature of his content and the ongoing debate surrounding free speech and platform moderation. Complementing his X presence, Telegram has become another crucial channel for BAP and his followers to communicate and share content, often in more direct and less moderated environments. This dual platform strategy allows him to maintain a consistent and influential voice within online discourse, reaching a wide audience eager for his anti-modernist and masculinist perspectives.
Followers and the ‘BAPist’ subculture
The phenomenon of Bronze Age Pervert extends beyond mere online commentary; it has spawned a devoted following, often referred to as ‘BAPists,’ who have coalesced into a distinct subculture. This group emulates BAP’s style, language, and ideological leanings, adopting catchphrases like “SUBMIT!” and “ghey” as markers of their shared identity. The ‘BAPist’ subculture is characterized by a strong emphasis on masculinity, a rejection of contemporary social norms, and an admiration for the heroic ideals espoused by BAP. This cult-like devotion highlights the significant impact of his online persona and his ability to foster a sense of belonging and purpose among his adherents, making him a notable figure in the manosphere.
Criticism and far-right connections
Despite his intellectual pretensions and academic background, Bronze Age Pervert faces significant criticism for the anti-egalitarian and violent undertones present in his work. Critics often label his philosophy as juvenile, adolescent, and even fascist, pointing to his promotion of eugenics, aristocratic rule, and a disdain for democratic values. His ideas are frequently analyzed within the context of the far-right and the alt-right, with concerns raised about their potential to radicalize individuals and contribute to political instability. The association of his work with figures in conservative political circles further amplifies these concerns, prompting debates about the influence of such ideologies on mainstream politics.
Concerns over anti-egalitarian and violent undertones
A primary area of criticism directed at Bronze Age Pervert concerns the anti-egalitarian nature of his philosophy and the violent undertones that permeate his writings. Critics point to his explicit advocacy for hierarchical social structures, his critique of human equality, and his romanticization of strength and conflict as evidence of a dangerous and potentially violent ideology. His work is often described as promoting a worldview where might makes right, and where the weak are inherently inferior. These aspects have led to his philosophy being categorized as juvenile, adolescent, and fascist by various commentators, raising alarm about its potential to incite or normalize aggression and discrimination.