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In reply to the discussion: It is not about the swimsuit issue it is about basic respect for women [View all]LostOne4Ever
(9,289 posts)And I would frequently post on their forums. Just like here they would have occasional threads on sexism or how women are were being portrayed in the game. It was then I noticed something that has bothered me ever since then.
For a large number of posters, it was not enough to simply disagree with the people who complained about the issue, they and feminists in general had to be demonized and personally attacked in the most vicious and offensive way possible.
And it wasn't just there. Anything that talked about feminism or women's rights or objectification that had a comments section INEVITABLY had someone who made it their mission life to destroy anyone or anything that brought the subject up.
Most recently, I saw this happen to the woman who does the feminist frequency videos on youtube. Just for critiquing a single trope in videogames she recieved death threats and people threatening to physically harm her in vile vile ways. I even saw someone here on DU saying that he/she was reporting the videos in an attempt to force youtube to take them down. Again, it was not enough to simply disagree with the person but attack them personally and necessary to force them to shut up.
And here we are now and I am seeing blanket insults being thrown around once again. And each and every time this happens, I can't help but think that when something gets this visceral of a response, one where its necessary for people just to post to let others know how little they care about a certain group or the issues said group cares about, and to castigate feminist on a LIBERAL website...then the people who are claiming discrimination probably have a point.
I believe in equality. Not just between the sexes but for people of different races, orientations, and religions. When one group complains we should at least LISTEN rather than preparing a list of counter arguments before the first person is even done talking. One need not agree with them, but at least try and hear what they are saying and why they feel the way they do. Have a little compassion.
AND YES I KNOW THAT SOME PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS HAVE CROSSED THE LINE. I have had arguments with some of them in my short time here myself. But I never got a sense of pure hatred from them. Passion and frustration? Yes. But I have not observed a pernicious and concentrated effort to personally attack, demonize, and silence the opposition from them as I have seen against anyone who dares speak up for women's issues, across dozens of websites and forums.
Simple common courtesy, from all sides, goes a long way. Part of that means listening. Part of that means putting others before yourself. And a part of that means remembering that poster you are arguing with is a human being just like you and having respect for them as a person.