Feminist Frequency: Talking about harassment generates more harassment

[Lime]

Click the link with examples at your own peril

A few months ago, I posted a series of tweets about some of the most disturbing and vile sexual harassment I receive online.

Because the behaviors of online harassers are often so predictable, I feared that doing this would result in a flood of similar harassment, but I felt it was important to speak out about it precisely because men use tactics like this in an effort to silence and disempower women, and because I know that gendered online harassment of this sort is hardly unique to me. It is important that people understand just how ugly and horrifying the epidemic of online harassment can be. This is not something that can be dismissed or ignored; being the target of such sustained, widespread harassment tactics can and does take a very real mental and emotional toll. Nobody should simply have to accept this as the price of participating in social media.

The tweets you see here represent just a small fraction of the responses I received within the first 24 hours of my comments about this particular online sexual harassment tactic. The responses number well into the hundreds and continued to pour in for weeks. Please note that while I’m not sharing any of the copycat responses that included pictures of genitalia or other explicit imagery, I did receive a great deal of those in addition to the responses below.

Content warning for misogyny, gendered insults, victim blaming, sexual violence, sexual harassment, and threats.

It's like she or anyone else questioning the status quo can never win - it's a constant catch-22: either you shut up and live with the constant sexism in gaming culture or you speak up and get terrorized beyond imagination. And if you speak up about experiencing all this online harassment, you receive even more harassment. People become irrational when it comes to this topic and Anita Sarkeesian (see also the amount of replies these topics get on GAF).

 

[GloriousBagel]

I don't think pathological is the right word to describe to amount of discussion Anita and this topic generates. It's just a really heated issue with an opposition that is batshit crazy.

 

[Lime]

I don't think pathological is the right word to describe to amount of discussion Anita and this topic generates. It's just a really heated issue with an opposition that is batshit crazy.

You're right - irrational would be a more apt description.

 

[nelchaar]

I don't understand, why are men/boys/males so threatened/annoyed by women in the video game world? Gaming women/gfs are like the best thing ever, I know because I'm dating one and spent all last night playing Majora's Mask with her. What's better than that??

I really don't understand the hate, fear and terrorism. I guess sexism is synonymous with racism, vis-a-vis, blind hate.

 

[DeepEnigma]

This is a worldwide society as a whole issue. So this is in every element from gaming to movies, to even working in a restaurant.

You have to change the problems at the source if you expect to fix them in the medium you are focusing on.

 

[sinxtanx]

I don't understand, why are men/boys/males so threatened/annoyed by women in the video game world? Gaming women/gfs are like the best thing ever, I know because I'm dating one and spent all last night playing Majora's Mask with her. What's better than that??

I really don't understand the hate, fear and terrorism. I guess sexism is synonymous with racism, vis-a-vis, blind hate.

Super Excellent Youtube Series on the subject

 

[aeolist]

I don't understand, why are men/boys/males so threatened/annoyed by women in the video game world? Gaming women/gfs are like the best thing ever, I know because I'm dating one and spent all last night playing Majora's Mask with her. What's better than that??

I really don't understand the hate, fear and terrorism. I guess sexism is synonymous with racism, vis-a-vis, blind hate.

misogynists are totally fine with women in games, as long as they don't complain about anything gender-related

 

[GrantDaNasty]

Times change. Things change. Gaming is no different in this regard, and while I suppose I could explain some attitudes as "aggressively defensive", it's not right regardless. Doesn't matter whether it's free speech, or ethics, or my vidya or whatever, don't ever willingly cause harm to another, whether it be physical, mental, emotional, financial etc. Just don't be a dick to people.

And yes, saying derogatory things on the internet is willingly harming another individual, which is almost why I'd rather we drop the veil of anonymity, but I'm sure the justifications for keeping things the way they are is legion as well.

 

[GamerJM]

Reminds me of the law that any internet article about feminism justifies the existence of feminism.

 

[PedroLumpy]

You say it looks like she and others 'can never win.' I wouldn't say that. Change takes time. We shouldn't be complacent obviously, but facing issues and bringing them out into the open is part of the process. It's ugly as hell, but it doesn't mean things are never going to change.

 

[Lime]

And yes, saying derogatory things on the internet is willingly harming another individual, which is almost why I'd rather we drop the veil of anonymity, but I'm sure the justifications for keeping things the way they are is legion as well.

Yeah, anonymity isn't always deterrent (look at facebook and twitter) and it also takes away the ability for people who need to be anonymous on the Internet.

 

[tearsofash]

The real tragedy here is that they are able to climax while looking at a picture of Anita Sarkeesian. Come on guys, do you hate her or like her? I'm getting mixed signals here.

Anyways, as far as using sex as a weapon - I would argue that's how it's always been. Not saying it's right or wrong. I just know that almost all ancient religions and cultures have deep-rooted phallic worship (as well as vaginal worship, to an extent) as the centers of their belief. I don't think our innate desire to treat our genitals like supernatural forces or weapons is going to change overnight.

(either that, or we should embrace it, and use it for good purposes)

 

[Bold One]

Ejaculating on to your image?!

wut?!

 

[AngryMoth]

Anita Sarkeesian is an absolute hero for putting up with the amount of abuse she receives and still continuing to put herself out there. Bought one of those t shirts she's selling yesterday to show some support. Think she has undoubtedly led to broader discussion and awareness of gender representation in games which I think we're beginning to see improve, as well as the terrible harassment many women receive online.

 

[Ferr986]

I don't understand, why are men/boys/males so threatened/annoyed by women in the video game world? Gaming women/gfs are like the best thing ever, I know because I'm dating one and spent all last night playing Majora's Mask with her. What's better than that??

I really don't understand the hate, fear and terrorism. I guess sexism is synonymous with racism, vis-a-vis, blind hate.

I once got told that more girl presence like Anita in the industry will make games like DOA (and overall everything with fanservice) banned. Basically, they're crazy.

Also LOL at the pics thing. So sad.

 

[Jawbreaker]

The real tragedy here is that they are able to climax while looking at a picture of Anita Sarkeesian. Come on guys, do you hate her or like her? I'm getting mixed signals here.

Anyways, as far as using sex as a weapon - I would argue that's how it's always been. Not saying it's right or wrong. I just know that almost all ancient religions and cultures have deep-rooted phallic worship (as well as vaginal worship, to an extent) as the centers of their belief. I don't think our innate desire to treat our genitals like supernatural forces or weapons is going to change overnight.

(either that, or we should embrace it, and use it for good purposes)

They're probably getting off to the idea of demeaning and reducing her to nothing more than a fuck toy with an annoying mouth that needs to be silenced, while asserting their idea social dominance. Hegemonic masculinity, essentially.

I once got told that more girl presence like Anita in the industry will make games like DOA (and overall everything with fanservice) banned. Basically, they're crazy.

Also LOL at the pics thing. So sad.

That's the central reason: the feeling that this movement for better female representation is going to lead to a road of censored products.

 

[PtM]

This is a worldwide society as a whole issue. So this is in every element from gaming to movies, to even working in a restaurant.

You have to change the problems at the source if you expect to fix them in the medium you are focusing on.

But the medium is one of the sources.

The real tragedy here is that they are able to climax while looking at a picture of Anita Sarkeesian. Come on guys, do you hate her or like her? I'm getting mixed signals here.

Porn culture.

 

[Stone Ocean]

The meaning of "irony" is truly lost on some people, you sure showed her how you hate her by masturbating to her.

What a sick thing to do, this is the equivalent of being shit slinging monkeys at this point. It baffles me there are alledged adults doing this kind of thing due to fucking electronic toys.

 

[OminoMichelin]

Super Excellent Youtube Series on the subject

Thanks for this, I already know a bit about the subject, but these videos are pretty good nonetheless.

 

[MrBadger]

I once got told that more girl presence like Anita in the industry will make games like DOA (and overall everything with fanservice) banned. Basically, they're crazy.

Also LOL at the pics thing. So sad.

Yeah, seriously. I don't get why people think feminists are out to take away or "censor" their videogames. By that same logic, any negative review of a game from IGN or any other big site is also promoting "censorship" and should be stopped at all costs.

 

[JeffG]

Super Excellent Youtube Series on the subject

This is an excellent set of videos

Thanks for pointing it out

 

[gdt]

Ejaculating on to your image?!

wut?!

Slightly related but I've seen gaffers pee on pictures of other gaffers 😩

 

[Bronx-Man]

The past few years have me utter ashamed to have anything to with video games, gamers, or gaming culture. This is some of the most disgusting shit I've ever seen, and she has to deal with all of it on a daily basis. I would've gone mad years ago.

 

[TheSlySoul]

It is so odd how many men react to things by showing their penis.

 

[Fine Ham Abounds]

It's weird when you own the same piece of equipment but it's never even occurred to you to use it that way

There's this part of me that hopes she has all of the pictures saved with the associated identifying info and she puts in her will for it to be published after her death

It'd be sweet as hell if some politician's wife was like, "I know that penis"

 

[aeolist]

It is so odd how many men react to things by showing their penis.

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1131170

 

[Tal Shiar Agent]

I don't understand, why are men/boys/males so threatened/annoyed by women in the video game world? Gaming women/gfs are like the best thing ever, I know because I'm dating one and spent all last night playing Majora's Mask with her. What's better than that??

I really don't understand the hate, fear and terrorism. I guess sexism is synonymous with racism, vis-a-vis, blind hate.

Same reason why poor white Southerners supported slavery. The fear of losing a status of superiority.

If women (and minorities) become truly culturally equal then the typical white male will no longer be uniquely superior. Fear of losing social status is a powerful thing. It also explains why non-white men can also be misogynist and why white feminists can be racist. It's all about that thinly veiled social structure.

 

[EatinOlives]

This reminds me, is there anything I can do to very explicitly show support? I feel like my one YT subscription and my one like on her videos is still being drowned out by the Neanderthals. Wish there was something to do to directly communicate to keep up the good fight.

EDIT: I'm going to donate for sure, but I feel like doing something more substantial.

 

[depths20XX]

That's terrible that kind of stuff happens to her but I do have to admit I chuckled at the thought of "weaponized genitalia".

 

[Nightbird]

Slightly related but I've seen gaffers pee on pictures of other gaffers 😩

Wat

 

[Sophia]

Super Excellent Youtube Series on the subject

This is a really fantastic series of videos on it. I just finished part 2 and he put into words what I've thought but often been unable to verbalize.

 

[mr2t]

Slightly related but I've seen gaffers pee on pictures of other gaffers 😩

Pretty sure a gaf member came on a picture of another member's girlfriend as well.

 

[80s Bad Guy]

Wat

GAF Gold

Spoiler

enshowers

 

[Shaanyboi]

I really don't get how someone can be so fucked up as to think it's okay to relentlessly attack another person, let alone an entire group, for wanting equality

 

[Neuromancer]

These guys are pathetic. I don't know how she puts up with this crap.

 

[stuminus3]

The past few years have me utter ashamed to have anything to with video games, gamers, or gaming culture. This is some of the most disgusting shit I've ever seen, and she has to deal with all of it on a daily basis. I would've gone mad years ago.

Chin up old bean. GAF is pretty good and we're gaming culture. Don't let them take that from us.

 

[RMI]

jesus fucking christ that first tweet. I mean, goddamn.

what the hell, people?!?

 

[Akuun]

I don't understand, why are men/boys/males so threatened/annoyed by women in the video game world? Gaming women/gfs are like the best thing ever, I know because I'm dating one and spent all last night playing Majora's Mask with her. What's better than that??

I really don't understand the hate, fear and terrorism. I guess sexism is synonymous with racism, vis-a-vis, blind hate.

Seriously. Having girls into games is awesome. Why would you try to drive girls away from a hobby you like?

I once got told that more girl presence like Anita in the industry will make games like DOA (and overall everything with fanservice) banned. Basically, they're crazy.

That's really fucking stupid. Sex sells regardless of gender. Movies have fanservice that panders to both girls and guys - that's why you have superhero movies with good looking buff guys along with the sexy ladies.

As girls get more recognized as a demographic in games, games have started going in the same direction too. It's most obvious in Asian RPGs and MMOs, where you have lots of male characters who look like pop stars.

And you know what? There's nothing wrong with fanservice. What kind of fucking moron thinks girls will get this stuff BANNED?

 

[PtM]

And you know what? There's nothing wrong with fanservice. What kind of fucking moron thinks girls will get this stuff BANNED?

Imagine for a moment or more how you would look at fanservice if it did nothing for you.

 

[Axbarn]

Wow, she really likes to single men out about everything, doesn't she?

 

[stuminus3]

Wow, she really likes to single men out about everything, doesn't she?

Only the horrible ones. Watch your back.

 

[Neuromancer]

Wow, she really likes to single men out about everything, doesn't she?

Well it is presumably men sending her pictures of their penises.

 

[Axbarn]

Please explain.

I mean, she's probably received images of women ejaculating on her photos too.

 

[Akuun]

Imagine for a moment or more how you would look at fanservice if it did nothing for you.

I see girl-oriented fanservice in games that I play all the time. It does nothing for me, but it doesn't bother me that it's there either. I recognize that it's not for me, and that some other people like it, so I'm happy for the people that it targets because it wasn't a thing before.

My fiancee used to complain about a lack of girl-oriented fanservice in games, but it's starting to come around, and I'm happy that it is. Fanservice shouldn't be in all games, but I think equal opportunity fanservice is a good thing if a game chooses to include it.

 

[PtM]

I see girl-oriented fanservice in games that I play all the time. It does nothing for me, but it doesn't bother me that it's there either. I recognize that it's not for me, and that some other people like it, so I'm happy for the people that it targets because it wasn't a thing before.

My fiancee used to complain about a lack of girl-oriented fanservice in games, but it's starting to come around, and I'm happy that it is. Fanservice shouldn't be in all games, but I think equal opportunity fanservice is a good thing if a game chooses to include it.

Fair game.

 

[yanipheonu]

I don't care what strange crusade you're on, let's just at least agree on one thing...

 

[SolicitorPirate]

Wow, she really likes to single men out about everything, doesn't she?

Didn't take long for you lot to show up.

 

[Axbarn]

Didn't take long for you lot to show up.

Uh, excuse me? Have we met before?

 

[FStop7]

Wow, she really likes to single men out about everything, doesn't she?

You didn't read the article.

 

[JeffG]

I mean, she's probably received images of women ejaculating on her photos too.

Un huh.