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Misogyny On The Web And In The World

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Blog Related
Posted on Fri Apr 13, 2007 at 07:15:25 PM EST
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E.J. Graff makes a simple but important point about the fact that women face hateful speech at higher rates than men; it is NOT a web based phenomenon:

here's what has been missed in the discussion of Kathy Sierra's horrific experience, as far as I can tell: this happens in the world, not just on the web. What's happened to Sierra is a virtual extension of the sexual harassment that hits women in any predominantly male field, what I've come to think of as "barrier" sexual harassment: making it clear to women that they don't belong and will be violated if they stay.

From Hillary Clinton to women academics, particularly in the sciences, to sports coverage to news anchors (yes, I think Katie Couric is awful, but no more so than Brian Williams, and it seems clear to me that Couric is heaped with much more abuse than Williams), to women bloggers, they face much more abuse than men generally (I am the exception that proves the rule, but then I heaped more abuse on folks than anyone in the history of blogging as well so it was to be expected.)

The particular nature of the Internet, anonymity (as opposed to pseudonymity) in particular, magnifies this phenomenon and intensifies it. But what to do about it? Generally, as good progressives should do, we must fight against sexism in whatever form or forum we find it. Always.

Specifically, on the Internet, we must condemn it always. In discussing Markos' post on the subject, I focused on an unfair false smear labelling him a mysogynist, but agreed that his post was obtuse and unintentionally hurtful. He missed the gender dynamic as he is wont to do. On the other hand, the critique of Markos' blind spot was fair. That said, Markos' substantive point, that blogger codes of conduct will do nothing is also an important one. I know. I tried to organize one last year. Not only did it fail miserably, I personally was a victim of that failure. I know now it won't work. So let's keep thinking. Anyone have any ideas what we can do about it on the Net? I'm all ears.

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    Misogyny On The Web And In The World | 10 comments (10 topical)

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    His "blind spot" (5.00 / 2) (#7)
    by amethyst on Sat Apr 14, 2007 at 06:08:22 AM EST
    Talk to us some more about his "blind spot".  You said in the other thread that Markos is "not good on gender issues".  Can you explain to us what that means?  What are his beliefs?  

    Because hey, this guy is supposed to be the leader of the leftwing blogosphere, and if he has a problem with gender issues, that's a big deal.

    If at first.... (5.00 / 1) (#12)
    by Lora on Sat Apr 14, 2007 at 01:50:47 PM EST
    ...you don't succeed, try, try again.

    Codes of conduct exist for other uses of the web.  Who says it's easy?  Rather than attack those who attempt it and decide that because your first attempt didn't work therefore it can never work, get to work.

    Let's just take this turn-around at face value and (none / 0) (#2)
    by oculus on Fri Apr 13, 2007 at 08:42:28 PM EST
    say thanks.

    Say what? (none / 0) (#3)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Fri Apr 13, 2007 at 09:12:51 PM EST
    Point outn one thing that is a turnaround?

    Don;t turn into an Obama supporter type please.

    Stick to the facts.

    Parent

    How about this: (none / 0) (#6)
    by oculus on Sat Apr 14, 2007 at 01:30:43 AM EST
    "turnaround in focus"?

    Parent
    Well (none / 0) (#10)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Sat Apr 14, 2007 at 09:23:31 AM EST
    Different posts, but I won;t quibble.

    Parent
    It isa different focus (none / 0) (#4)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Fri Apr 13, 2007 at 09:13:20 PM EST
    and perfectly consistent with what I wrote before.

    You wrote (none / 0) (#5)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Fri Apr 13, 2007 at 09:15:03 PM EST
    ". BTD also falls into that group who think Kos blew it, but initially had a different reaction. Is Kos a misogynist and what does that mean for the movement?"

    Kos is not a misogynist and he partially blew it, not taking onto account the fact that women face abuse at much higher levels than men.

    Exactly what I said before. Exactly.

    Good Luck (none / 0) (#9)
    by jimakaPPJ on Sat Apr 14, 2007 at 09:08:12 AM EST
    That said, Markos' substantive point, that blogger codes of conduct will do nothing is also an important one. I know. I tried to organize one last year. Not only did it fail miserably, I personally was a victim of that failure. I know now it won't work.

    The Internet will either control itself or someone else will.

    Good stuff (none / 0) (#11)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Sat Apr 14, 2007 at 10:38:23 AM EST
    I liked Jessica's original article in the Guardian.

    I did not like her TPMCafe.

    Misogyny On The Web And In The World | 10 comments (10 topical)

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