As I scrolled through social media, I saw the “Make Aqua Tofana Great Again” (MATGA) trend. It’s inspired by Giulia Tofana, a 17th-century Italian woman. She allegedly killed over 600 abusive men with her poison1. This trend has caught the eye of women in the U.S., with millions watching videos of murder-fantasy poisoning scenarios1.
The MATGA movement is on TikTok and X, tied to abortion rights and women’s issues after the recent presidential win.
The Aqua Tofana, a deadly poison, is at the heart of this trend. It’s made of arsenic and belladonna1. Women in 17th-century Italy used it to kill their abusive husbands, with over 600 victims1. It was stored in cosmetic bottles, making it easy to use without being noticed1.
Today, the MATGA movement has brought back interest in this historical toxin. Some women even wear poison rings, which have hidden compartments for toxic substances1.
Key Takeaways
- Giulia Tofana, a 17th-century Italian woman, allegedly killed over 600 abusive men with her poison Aqua Tofana.
- The MATGA (Make Aqua Tofana Great Again) movement has emerged, inspired by Tofana’s story and referencing Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan.
- Aqua Tofana was a deadly poison composed of arsenic and belladonna, often stored in cosmetic bottles for discreet use.
- The MATGA movement has gained traction on social media, with videos showcasing murder-fantasy poisoning scenarios garnering millions of views.
- Some women have showcased poison rings as wearable baubles with concealed compartments for toxic substances.
The Rise of MATGA Movement in Modern America
The MATGA (Make Aqua Tofana Great Again) movement is big on social media, especially on X and TikTok. Videos of women adding “poison” to drinks have become hits, often set to Eminem’s “Venom.”2 It started as a reaction to Donald Trump’s win and fears about abortion rights3.
Origins and Social Media Presence
Millions have watched MATGA videos on social media2. Women are using platforms to express their disappointment and stand up for women’s rights. The movement has also led to other digital actions, like avoiding pregnancy, cutting hair short, and not dating men3.
Connection to Trump’s Presidential Victory
The MATGA movement began with Donald Trump’s 2016 win and win again in 2024. Many women see his presidency as a danger to their reproductive freedom. They’re using the internet to share their worries3. The name is a twist on “Make America Great Again,” showing a desire to “make Aqua Tofana great again,” referencing a deadly poison from history3.
Digital Activism and Viral Content
The MATGA movement has grown to include digital activism. Women are showing off “poison rings” and making viral content32. Some, like Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, are worried about the movement’s videos being seen as threats3.
Interestingly, the MATGA movement is similar to the 4B movement in South Korea. Both advocate for boycotting men and opposing traditional relationships2. This shows how women worldwide share similar struggles and hopes.
Make Aqua Tofana Great Again: Historical Context and Legacy
The MATGA movement has roots in 17th-century Italy. It was inspired by Aqua Tofana, a deadly poison made by Giulia Tofana4. This poison, made with arsenic and belladonna, was used by women to escape bad marriages. It led to the deaths of over 600 men4.
Giulia Tofana’s story is one of the most shocking in history. Today, the MATGA movement sees parallels between women’s rights then and now.
The MATGA movement is big on social media, especially TikTok5. Videos about old poisoning methods get a lot of views5. Hashtags like #4b, from South Korea’s radical feminism, show women’s commitment to not dating men5.
These online stories boost women’s empowerment and equality. They show how society is changing, reacting to politics and old injustices.
Legal fights with former President Trump are linked to MATGA5. A judge’s decision to wait until November 19 to rule on Trump’s case is key5. Trump’s team argues he can’t be prosecuted for actions while in office, sparking debate5.
Trump’s legacy and women’s movements against patriarchy are tied to politics5. The MATGA movement uses Aqua Tofana as a symbol of resistance. It reminds us of the fight for women’s rights and equality.
“Aqua Tofana was a deadly poison created in 17th-century Italy, used by women to escape abusive marriages, leading to the deaths of over 600 men. Its effectiveness and Tofana’s notoriety have made her one of history’s most prolific serial killers.”4
Conclusion
The MATGA movement is a complex and debated form of digital activism. It has sparked both support and criticism in the United States. Some women see it as empowering, while others worry about its messages6.
On TikTok, posts about MATGA have gotten a lot of views. A video related to it has 1.7 million views6. The use of historical references, like Aqua Tofana, has raised concerns about its messaging.
Some say using such references, even in a joking way, could be harmful7. The trend “Make Aqua Tofana Great Again” aims to empower women in abusive situations. Yet, it has faced criticism for trivializing serious issues.
The MATGA movement has sparked debates on online activism and women’s rights7. It connects historical references, digital culture, and today’s politics6. Hashtags like #feminism and #womensrights show its ties to gender equality and justice6.
The #4b movement, linked to MATGA, supports radical feminism in South Korea. It has gained a lot of attention, with a video getting nearly 10 million views. This shows the complex nature of MATGA and the need for ongoing discussion.
FAQ
What is the “Make Aqua Tofana Great Again” (MATGA) movement?
The “Make Aqua Tofana Great Again” (MATGA) movement is a trend in the United States. It references Aqua Tofana, a poison from 17th-century Italy. It’s popular on TikTok and X, with videos of women adding “poison” to drinks.
Who was Giulia Tofana and what was Aqua Tofana?
Giulia Tofana was an Italian woman who made Aqua Tofana. It was a deadly mix of arsenic and belladonna. This poison was tasteless and traceless, used by women to kill abusive husbands, leading to over 600 deaths.
How has the MATGA movement been connected to Donald Trump’s presidential victory?
The MATGA movement started as a reaction to Donald Trump’s win. It’s about women expressing disappointment and protesting threats to their rights. They’re worried about abortion rights.
What forms of digital activism are associated with the MATGA movement?
The MATGA movement includes digital activism. Women are planning to avoid pregnancy or childbirth during Trump’s second term. They’re cutting their hair short and not dating men. Some even wear “poison rings” online.
What are the criticisms and controversies surrounding the MATGA movement?
Critics say MATGA’s message is harmful. Talking about deadly poisons, even as a joke, could be dangerous. It raises questions about online activism and how to fight for women’s rights.