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[Aaronrules380]

...Whaat? Umm... ok. I guess I really don't know how to respond to that. At least he wasn't trying to half-ass the race card.

Maybe he got bullied a lot with people using the term in a derogatory manner? I can see stuff like that having an impact on the way he perceives the word

 

[Imru’ al-Qays]

A movement consisting of persistent, coordinated, and targeted strategies of doxxing, stalking, threatening, harassing, and attempts to silence and literally cut off the livelihoods of its intended victims is in no way less troubling than one that does not do those things (or worse things), certainly not just because you find it to be expected behavior. This is accepting your implicit premise that "anti-GG" is a discrete movement that can be quantified like GG which it really can't.

On a micro level the threat of terrorism is about lives ruined. On a macro level, however, the danger inherent in terrorism is not the damage it does but the reaction it provokes. This is true of terrorism generally, not just in this case.

 

[Freeman]

I don't think I have ever heard someone want a gender change for Mario and I am pretty sure the Link thing is because it's been established he is reincarnated so "why not?"

He looks like a girl already, might as well be one.

 

[inpHilltr8r]

It means AAA pubs and marketing have cultivated this persona of a gamer that people like Gaters cling to and have substituted as their human identities. They wanted to cement a slavishly loyal demo to ensure their profits and this is one of the results.

OK, I get where you're coming from now, although I don't think I agree.

 

[Mr_Antimatter]

That isn't what people really get upset over, though. They don't get upset over the idea of a Legend of Zelda game where you play as Zelda (or Sheik, Impa, etc).

They get upset at the idea that you're trying to 'take' Link away from them by changing what they see as a core, essential part of the character.

(Still no reason to harass or attack people, though, just to keep that clear.)

Link's gender has pretty much nothing to do with his character though. The only important thing is he welds the triforce of courage and hits things with a sword. Everything else about him is literally a blank slate.

Linkette would be, honestly, no different from link in any way that matters. Hell, given how many women cosplay as link, she may not even look any different.

 

[ArchedThunder]

Here is a question from someone who hasn't followed the whole GamerGate thing too closely, why isn't there a large organized anti-GamerGate group? GamerGaters are no doubt a relatively small but stupidly vocal group of people, so wouldn't it make sense to make a group that could very likely end up being much bigger, and by extension louder, that not only makes GamerGaters looks stupid in comparison(not that they don't already) but also makes women feel more welcome? I mean I guess the biggest problem with that would be that the group would have to be completely legit and not sink to their opposition's lows, while GamerGaters do lots of shit like doxxing.

 

[Lime]

OK, I get where you're coming from now, although I don't think I agree.

Im curious and you are definitely entitled not to comment or anything, especially if you don't want to.

But has there been any talk at your workplace about this? Have there been any talks about what things you as a game company might be able to do? Any concrete stuff? Just curious

 

[Hugstable]

So sad that this is something actually going on, the harrassment itself is disgusting and sucks to see so many discouraged in wanting to do something they like because of bullshit like that.

What's really wierding me out right now though is I feel like I heard this story about 2 months ago. I'm starting to worry about my longterm memory lol -___-

 

[Briarios]

Unless I misundestood him, he didn't say she was the cause it. He was merely pointing out that stuff like that doesn't help, which I agree with

The quote from his post is: It's a shame that Brianna makes it only worse for women in the industry by propagating toxicity within' the gaming community.

He's directly stating that she's making it worse -- how is her speaking up about abuse more toxic than death threats and doxxing? It isn't. If it were a man behaving as she is, he wouldn't bat an eye -- and, that is the crux of the double-standard. How dare a woman stand up to men! Its ridiculous. She's done nothing to make the environment more toxic ... In fact, to clear toxicity, you have to open it up to the air. She's providing a valuable service to the industry by forcing people to see how women are regularly treated. How else do you promote change? By keeping quiet and hoping the powers that be give notice?

 

[Guri]

Here is a question from someone who hasn't followed the whole GamerGate thing too closely, why isn't there a large organized anti-GamerGate group? GamerGaters are no doubt a relatively small but stupidly vocal group of people, so wouldn't it make sense to make a group that could very likely end up being much bigger, and by extension louder, that not only makes GamerGaters looks stupid in comparison(not that they don't already) but also makes women feel more welcome? I mean I guess the biggest problem with that would be that the group would have to be completely legit and not sink to their opposition's lows, while GamerGaters do lots of shit like doxxing.

Because that doesn't make any sense. An anti-GG group is basically everyone in the industry (also including consumers) who want more diversity and inclusiveness. Or, in other words, the majority and everyone who doesn't agree with GG. If you don't agree with doxxing, swatting and other terrorist tactics, then you are against them. And that is it.

 

[Uncle Rupee]

I would be skeptical about whether or not some of those letters are real, given the propensity of trolls to send fairly realistic looking stuff that is meant to demoralize.

 

[Toxi]

Here is a question from someone who hasn't followed the whole GreenGiggle thing too closely, why isn't there a large organized anti-GreenGiggle group? Alligators are no doubt a relatively small but stupidly vocal group of people, so wouldn't it make sense to make a group that could very likely end up being much bigger, and by extension louder, that not only makes Alligators looks stupid in comparison(not that they don't already) but also makes women feel more welcome? I mean I guess the biggest problem with that would be that the group would have to be completely legit and not sink to their opposition's lows, while Alligators do lots of shit like doxxing.

Conspiracy theorists spend all their time on their obsessions. Everyone else just cares when they come out of the woodwork.

 

[Vallen Chaos Valiant]

...Whaat? Umm... ok. I guess I really don't know how to respond to that. At least he wasn't trying to half-ass the race card.

I am already not comfortable as it is to reveal my gender online. It would be under extreme rare circumstances before I will ever reveal my ethnicity. You know, basic internet identity protection stuff.

On a different note, here is my personal opinion of the GG fiasco; on one side we have Chaos, in the form of internet nutcases who are just crazy enough to dedicate themselves to attack people they see as a threat. On the other side is Order, those who sees this as an opportunity to regulate games and gamers to suit their own sense of morality and to get clicks on their gaming websites. The two groups are enemies, but they couldn't attack each other. So instead everyone else gets attacked instead. Order attack game companies and male gamers, Chaos attack specific accidental celebrities.

The battle can't end, because the attackers are not being harmed from either side. Everyone else are the ones being hurt. I will be quite happy to see GG disappearing from this Earth, but that isn't in my power. I just rather not get blown up as collateral damage when the anti-GG forces try to hit what they can't hurt.

 

[Imru’ al-Qays]

Here is a question from someone who hasn't followed the whole GamerGate thing too closely, why isn't there a large organized anti-GamerGate group? GamerGaters are no doubt a relatively small but stupidly vocal group of people, so wouldn't it make sense to make a group that could very likely end up being much bigger, and by extension louder, that not only makes GamerGaters looks stupid in comparison(not that they don't already) but also makes women feel more welcome? I mean I guess the biggest problem with that would be that the group would have to be completely legit and not sink to their opposition's lows, while GamerGaters do lots of shit like doxxing.

My hunch is that Gamergaters are able to organize and have such a disproportionate influence precisely because they're largely unemployed, obsessive shut-ins (or high schoolers) with unlimited free time and no other responsibilities or interests. I wish we knew more about the demographics of the movement, but that's impossible given internet anonymity.

 

[The Technomancer]

I am already not comfortable as it is to reveal my gender online. It would be under extreme rare circumstances before I will ever reveal my ethnicity. You know, basic internet identity protection stuff.

On a different note, here is my personal opinion of the GG fiasco; on one side we have Chaos, in the form of internet nutcases who are just crazy enough to dedicate themselves to attack people they see as a threat. On the other side is Order, those who sees this as an opportunity to regulate games and gamers to suit their own sense of morality and to get clicks on their gaming websites. The two groups are enemies, but they couldn't attack each other. So instead everyone else gets attacked instead. Order attack game companies and male gamers, Chaos attack specific accidental celebrities.

The battle can't end, because the attackers are not being harmed from either side. Everyone else are the ones being hurt. I will be quite happy to see GG disappearing from this Earth, but that isn't in my power. I just rather not get blown up as collateral damage when the anti-GG forces try to hit what they can't hurt.

Who is doing this?

 

[Oersted]

Maybe he got bullied a lot with people using the term in a derogatory manner? I can see stuff like that having an impact on the way he perceives the word

Referring to nerd as n-word is a little respectless.

On a micro level the threat of terrorism is about lives ruined. On a macro level, however, the danger inherent in terrorism is not the damage it does but the reaction it provokes. This is true of terrorism generally, not just in this case.

Show some respect towards those who have been damaged. And dude, the reaction so far has been money by Intel for combatting harassment and one victim of harassment supporting and preventing new victims. If you are implying, what I think you are implying, a war on terror reloaded, you couldn't be more far off.

 

[Massive Duck. C.M.]

Here is a question from someone who hasn't followed the whole GamerGate thing too closely, why isn't there a large organized anti-GamerGate group? GamerGaters are no doubt a relatively small but stupidly vocal group of people, so wouldn't it make sense to make a group that could very likely end up being much bigger, and by extension louder, that not only makes GamerGaters looks stupid in comparison(not that they don't already) but also makes women feel more welcome? I mean I guess the biggest problem with that would be that the group would have to be completely legit and not sink to their opposition's lows, while GamerGaters do lots of shit like doxxing.

There are some organized attempts to set up better info protection and security for current and potential targets like Crash Override, but most likely the reason there's no organized efforts is
1) The industry involved has remained largely silent
2) The targets are largely indie devs/freelancers with already limited income
3) Various SNS services that would otherwise be used to organize are relatively indifferent to the abuse because it doesn't hurt their bottom lines

 

[Paper Sparrow]

I am already not comfortable as it is to reveal my gender online. It would be under extreme rare circumstances before I will ever reveal my ethnicity. You know, basic internet identity protection stuff.

On a different note, here is my personal opinion of the GG fiasco; on one side we have Chaos, in the form of internet nutcases who are just crazy enough to dedicate themselves to attack people they see as a threat. On the other side is Order, those who sees this as an opportunity to regulate games and gamers to suit their own sense of morality and to get clicks on their gaming websites. The two groups are enemies, but they couldn't attack each other. So instead everyone else gets attacked instead. Order attack game companies and male gamers, Chaos attack specific accidental celebrities.

The battle can't end, because the attackers are not being harmed from either side. Everyone else are the ones being hurt. I will be quite happy to see GG disappearing from this Earth, but that isn't in my power. I just rather not get blown up as collateral damage when the anti-GG forces try to hit what they can't hurt.

I suddenly feel like I am in a Shin Megami Tensei game.

 

[Mr_Antimatter]

I am already not comfortable as it is to reveal my gender online. It would be under extreme rare circumstances before I will ever reveal my ethnicity. You know, basic internet identity protection stuff.

On a different note, here is my personal opinion of the GG fiasco; on one side we have Chaos, in the form of internet nutcases who are just crazy enough to dedicate themselves to attack people they see as a threat. On the other side is Order, those who sees this as an opportunity to regulate games and gamers to suit their own sense of morality and to get clicks on their gaming websites. The two groups are enemies, but they couldn't attack each other. So instead everyone else gets attacked instead. Order attack game companies and male gamers, Chaos attack specific accidental celebrities.

The battle can't end, because the attackers are not being harmed from either side. Everyone else are the ones being hurt. I will be quite happy to see GG disappearing from this Earth, but that isn't in my power. I just rather not get blown up as collateral damage when the anti-GG forces try to hit what they can't hurt.

So basically, strawman fantasy nonsense that doesn't reflect reality?

 

[CambriaRising]

I am already not comfortable as it is to reveal my gender online. It would be under extreme rare circumstances before I will ever reveal my ethnicity. You know, basic internet identity protection stuff.

On a different note, here is my personal opinion of the GG fiasco; on one side we have Chaos, in the form of internet nutcases who are just crazy enough to dedicate themselves to attack people they see as a threat. On the other side is Order, those who sees this as an opportunity to regulate games and gamers to suit their own sense of morality and to get clicks on their gaming websites. The two groups are enemies, but they couldn't attack each other. So instead everyone else gets attacked instead. Order attack game companies and male gamers, Chaos attack specific accidental celebrities.

The battle can't end, because the attackers are not being harmed from either side. Everyone else are the ones being hurt. I will be quite happy to see GG disappearing from this Earth, but that isn't in my power. I just rather not get blown up as collateral damage when the anti-GG forces try to hit what they can't hurt.

This is real life dude, not the plot of an anime.

 

[Vallen Chaos Valiant]

Referring to nerd as n-word is a little but respectless.

If I were to reveal my ethnicity to you, you would understand why I disagree. There are more than two ways to view a word.

 

[ArchedThunder]

Because that doesn't make any sense. An anti-GG group is basically everyone in the industry (also including consumers) who want more diversity and inclusiveness. Or, in other words, the majority and everyone who doesn't agree with GG. If you don't agree with doxxing, swatting and other terrorist tactics, then you are against them. And that is it.

Except it does. Most people don't side with GamerGate but just sit to the side quietly not doing anything. If there was a large group that was vocal that did things like raise awareness and protest I think it would help a lot more than a few articles on websites here and there. I'd join a group like that to help, but without a group like that there isn't really anything I can do but sit to the side, especially as a white-passing male who doesn't work in the game industry or media.

 

[Aaronrules380]

If I were to reveal my ethnicity to you, you would understand why I disagree. There are more than two ways to view a word.

I've never heard any definition of nerd that is racially charged in any sense

 

[Guri]

I am already not comfortable as it is to reveal my gender online. It would be under extreme rare circumstances before I will ever reveal my ethnicity. You know, basic internet identity protection stuff.

On a different note, here is my personal opinion of the GG fiasco; on one side we have Chaos, in the form of internet nutcases who are just crazy enough to dedicate themselves to attack people they see as a threat. On the other side is Order, those who sees this as an opportunity to regulate games and gamers to suit their own sense of morality and to get clicks on their gaming websites. The two groups are enemies, but they couldn't attack each other. So instead everyone else gets attacked instead. Order attack game companies and male gamers, Chaos attack specific accidental celebrities.

The battle can't end, because the attackers are not being harmed from either side. Everyone else are the ones being hurt. I will be quite happy to see GG disappearing from this Earth, but that isn't in my power. I just rather not get blown up as collateral damage when the anti-GG forces try to hit what they can't hurt.

How is the idea of more diversity and inclusiveness in the games industry "an opportunity to regulate games and gamers"? We don't want your favourite games and male characters to go away. We just want an industry that welcomes women, encourages them to work or play and also more characters that can be of different gender, ethnicity and/or sexual choice. Again, how is that a form of regulation?

 

[Ala Alba]

Link's gender has pretty much nothing to do with his character though. The only important thing is he welds the triforce of courage and hits things with a sword. Everything else about him is literally a blank slate.

Linkette would be, honestly, no different from link in any way that matters. Hell, given how many women cosplay as link, she may not even look any different.

How important gender is or isn't to Link's character is not really the point, though. I feel its important, you obviously do not.

I'm sure you can understand how this example about perception relates to the thread.

 

[Oersted]

On the other side is Order, those who sees this as an opportunity to regulate games and gamers to suit their own sense of morality and to get clicks on their gaming websites.

No.

The battle can't end, because the attackers are not being harmed from either side. Everyone else are the ones being hurt. I will be quite happy to see GG disappearing from this Earth, but that isn't in my power. I just rather not get blown up as collateral damage when the anti-GG forces try to hit what they can't hurt.

Women are harmed. As developers, journalists and critics. Read the OP as a start.

If I were to reveal my ethnicity to you, you would understand why I disagree. There are more than two ways to view a word.

You are very welcome to explain. You don't have to fear anything.

 

[Mr_Antimatter]

I've never heard any definition of nerd that is racially charged in any sense

Nerd: term invented by jokes to pick up people who were more tech savvy or smarter then them.

The n word: used for centuries to dehumanize an entire racial group of millions, with an associated history of violence toward said race.

The two aren't even in the same planet in terms of 'wrong'. I've been called a nerd my entire life, it doesn't bother me nearly the same way that hearing racial slurs does.

 

[Aaronrules380]

Nerd: term invented by jokes to pick up people who were more tech savvy or smarter then them.

The n word: used for centuries to dehumanize an entire racial group of millions, with an associated history of violence toward said race.

The two aren't even in the same planet in terms of 'wrong'. I've been called a nerd my entire life, it doesn't bother me nearly the same way that hearing racial slurs does.

Oh of course.

 

[Vallen Chaos Valiant]

I've never heard any definition of nerd that is racially charged in any sense

Modern racism as we know it is spawned by historically recent ethnically segregated slavery. (once upon a time slavery was equal-opportunity) That no human should be slaves, so anyone who is already a slave can't be a human. But that is only something that occurred in a very specific part of the planet. What you viewed as racially charged only makes sense in your part of the planet.

The n word: used for centuries to dehumanize an entire racial group of millions, with an associated history of violence toward said race.

Centuries, yes, but not that long really. And it only was used in one sector of the planet. This means there are a large sector of the Earth population who really don't have anything to do with this sorry business and thus, feel no guilt at all.

 

[Massive Duck. C.M.]

I am already not comfortable as it is to reveal my gender online. It would be under extreme rare circumstances before I will ever reveal my ethnicity. You know, basic internet identity protection stuff.

On a different note, here is my personal opinion of the GG fiasco; on one side we have Chaos, in the form of internet nutcases who are just crazy enough to dedicate themselves to attack people they see as a threat. On the other side is Order, those who sees this as an opportunity to regulate games and gamers to suit their own sense of morality and to get clicks on their gaming websites. The two groups are enemies, but they couldn't attack each other. So instead everyone else gets attacked instead. Order attack game companies and male gamers, Chaos attack specific accidental celebrities.

The battle can't end, because the attackers are not being harmed from either side. Everyone else are the ones being hurt. I will be quite happy to see GG disappearing from this Earth, but that isn't in my power. I just rather not get blown up as collateral damage when the anti-GG forces try to hit what they can't hurt.

Got

Damn.

Some truly sad shit

 

[inpHilltr8r]

Maybe that there are very few J. Blows, P. Fishes, and Notches in the world, and that there would be more of that type if the talent was coming from 100% of the population instead of just 50%.

...and this is the fault of AAA how? If anything we probably employ more women at AAA studios than the whole of the indie sector. I wouldn't be surprised if we have a higher female to male ratio too. It's 1:4 at our studio.

 

[Guri]

Except it does. Most people don't side with GamerGate but just sit to the side quietly not doing anything. If there was a large group that was vocal that did things like raise awareness and protest I think it would help a lot more than a few articles on websites here and there. I'd join a group like that to help, but without a group like that there isn't really anything I can do but sit to the side, especially as a white-passing male who doesn't work in the game industry or media.

There is a lot you can do.

- If you play multiplayer games, help women feel welcomed there;

- In a forum thread (anywhere on the Internet) or social media, when you see a discussion about a specific game-related topic, help women feel welcomed there;

- If you see a woman wondering if she should work on the industry (even if you don't), encourage her to do it;

- If you see a woman being harassed on the Internet, try and help her in any way she feels comfortable with;

- In a gaming event, be respectful to everyone, no matter their gender, sexual orientation or ethnicity;

- Be respectful everywhere;

It is important to raise awareness, I do agree, but you can do much more than just try to argue with GG.

 

[JNA]

What a mess. What a freaking mess this whole thing is.

Can this just end already? How the hell and why is this whole GamerGate thing still going on?

Feeling terrible about this.

 

[CambriaRising]

Modern racism as we know it is spawned by historically recent ethnically segregated slavery. (once upon a time slavery was equal-opportunity) That no human should be slaves, so anyone who is already a slave can't be a human. But that is only something that occurred in a very specific part of the planet. What you viewed as racially charged only makes sense in your part of the planet.

what

 

[Oersted]

Modern racism as we know it is spawned by historically recent ethnically segregated slavery. (once upon a time slavery was equal-opportunity) That no human should be slaves, so anyone who is already a slave can't be a human. But that is only something that occurred in a very specific part of the planet. What you viewed as racially charged only makes sense in your part of the planet.

Why do you see nerd as the n-word? It was nowhere ever, on any side or in any part of the planet, the n-word, so you got me curious.

 

[Aaronrules380]

Modern racism as we know it is spawned by historically recent ethnically segregated slavery. (once upon a time slavery was equal-opportunity) That no human should be slaves, so anyone who is already a slave can't be a human. But that is only something that occurred in a very specific part of the planet. What you viewed as racially charged only makes sense in your part of the planet.

Uh what? And I tried searching for any etymology or examples of how nerd could be used as a derogative term for any ethnic group, and I literally can't find anything, except maybe Weird Al's parody song "white and nerdy" which is a joke and not at all serious. Unless the term just happens to be shared with some obscure ethnic slur in another language that has nothing to do with English

 

[Toxi]

Modern racism as we know it is spawned by historically recent ethnically segregated slavery. (once upon a time slavery was equal-opportunity) That no human should be slaves, so anyone who is already a slave can't be a human. But that is only something that occurred in a very specific part of the planet. What you viewed as racially charged only makes sense in your part of the planet.

i have no fucking clue

 

[Mesoian]

Modern racism as we know it is spawned by historically recent ethnically segregated slavery. (once upon a time slavery was equal-opportunity) That no human should be slaves, so anyone who is already a slave can't be a human. But that is only something that occurred in a very specific part of the planet. What you viewed as racially charged only makes sense in your part of the planet.

...wut?

 

[danm999]

Modern racism as we know it is spawned by historically recent ethnically segregated slavery. (once upon a time slavery was equal-opportunity) That no human should be slaves, so anyone who is already a slave can't be a human. But that is only something that occurred in a very specific part of the planet. What you viewed as racially charged only makes sense in your part of the planet.

Are you saying the word "nerd" has a racial connotation somewhere? if so, where is that?

 

[Grexeno]

I am already not comfortable as it is to reveal my gender online. It would be under extreme rare circumstances before I will ever reveal my ethnicity. You know, basic internet identity protection stuff.

On a different note, here is my personal opinion of the GG fiasco; on one side we have Chaos, in the form of internet nutcases who are just crazy enough to dedicate themselves to attack people they see as a threat. On the other side is Order, those who sees this as an opportunity to regulate games and gamers to suit their own sense of morality and to get clicks on their gaming websites. The two groups are enemies, but they couldn't attack each other. So instead everyone else gets attacked instead. Order attack game companies and male gamers, Chaos attack specific accidental celebrities.

The battle can't end, because the attackers are not being harmed from either side. Everyone else are the ones being hurt. I will be quite happy to see GG disappearing from this Earth, but that isn't in my power. I just rather not get blown up as collateral damage when the anti-GG forces try to hit what they can't hurt.

You heard it here first folks: The Organization of People Who Sit in Dimly Lit Rooms and Run the World is anti-GG

 

[Kimosabae]

I dunno, I stopped paying attention once this whole thing went off the rails but... I can't help but feel that there was a lot of moral grandstanding, false victimizing and blowing phenomena out of proportion that led to a petty blowback that snowballed into this very tangible effect. One that could have easily been avoided had the GG meme hadn't taken off the way it did.

I know I'm being ambiguous and I wholly admit to being ignorant, but considering how this thing started, I find it absolutely ridiculous that we're even at this juncture. In my eyes, this should have never even picked up steam in the first place, the consequences being a classic case of self fulfilling prophecy.

 

[Nanashrew]

Modern racism as we know it is spawned by historically recent ethnically segregated slavery. (once upon a time slavery was equal-opportunity) That no human should be slaves, so anyone who is already a slave can't be a human. But that is only something that occurred in a very specific part of the planet. What you viewed as racially charged only makes sense in your part of the planet.


Centuries, yes, but not that long really. And it only was used in one sector of the planet. This means there are a large sector of the Earth population who really don't have anything to do with this sorry business and thus, feel no guilt at all.

Wha?......

 

[ArchedThunder]

How important gender is or isn't to Link's character is not really the point, though. I feel its important, you obviously do not.

I'm sure you can understand how this example about perception relates to the thread.

Not only is it a problem of perception, but just gender swapping male characters is a dumb and lazy way to try and be more inclusive. If devs want to give us playable female characters either have them be an already established female character, or make a new character. I don't want a Zelda game with a female Link as the main character, but I would be very interested in a Zelda game with Zelda, Imp or a new female character as the lead because that would actually be interesting.

Nerd: term invented by jokes to pick up people who were more tech savvy or smarter then them.

The n word: used for centuries to dehumanize an entire racial group of millions, with an associated history of violence toward said race.

The two aren't even in the same planet in terms of 'wrong'. I've been called a nerd my entire life, it doesn't bother me nearly the same way that hearing racial slurs does.

I literally use "Hey nerds" as a greeting. I didn't even realize there was anyone left who was offended by the word, everyone I know (myself included obviously) has just embraced the word, hell many people use it as a badge of honor. Nerd was nothing more than a dumb highschool insult from like the friggen 20th century, the fact that anyone could actually be super offended by it today boggles my mind.

 

[Mesoian]

I dunno, I stopped paying attention once this whole thing went off the rails but... I can't help but feel that there was a lot of moral grandstanding, false victimizing and blowing phenomena out of proportion that led to a blowback that caused this tangible loss. One that could have easily been avoided had the GG meme hadn't taken off the way it did.

I know I'm being ambiguous and I wholly admit to being ignorant, but considering how this thing started, I find it absolutely ridiculous that we're even at this juncture. In my eyes, this should have never picked up steam in the first place, the consequences are a classic case of self fulfilling prophecy.

And you're right.

But here we are.

 

[Neiteio]

Maybe he sees "nerd" as ethnically charged because he's Asian or Indian, sometimes stereotyped as "book smart" races, and so if/when he was called "nerd" in the past, he linked it to his ethnicity?

At any rate, nothing wrong with being a "nerd," "loner," etc. No one is criticizing them. What we're criticizing are the actions of a group of people (GamerGate) who are harassing and terrorizing others in an attempt to silence them.

 

[ArchedThunder]

There is a lot you can do.

- If you play multiplayer games, help women feel welcomed there;

- In a forum thread (anywhere on the Internet) or social media, when you see a discussion about a specific game-related topic, help women feel welcomed there;

- If you see a woman wondering if she should work on the industry (even if you don't), encourage her to do it;

- If you see a woman being harassed on the Internet, try and help her in any way she feels comfortable with;

- In a gaming event, be respectful to everyone, no matter their gender, sexual orientation or ethnicity;

- Be respectful everywhere;

It is important to raise awareness, I do agree, but you can do much more than just try to argue with GG.

I already do all of this, but all the welcomeness and politeness from random strangers doesn't cancel out the loud and focused hate of a group with an agenda.

 

[SolicitorPirate]

How is the idea of more diversity and inclusiveness in the games industry "an opportunity to regulate games and gamers"? We don't want your favourite games and male characters to go away. We just want an industry that welcomes women, encourages them to work or play and also more characters that can be of different gender, ethnicity and/or sexual choice. Again, how is that a form of regulation?

Don't bother. He's not interested in actually engaging, he just wants to mope around and pretend to be a victim.

I already do all of this, but all the welcomeness and politeness from random strangers doesn't cancel out the loud and focused hate of a group with an agenda.

The Gamerghazi subreddit is about the closest thing to an organised Anti-Gamergate movement. Even then, they tend to spend more time reporting what's happening and reacting in horror rather than I guess, actively doing stuff.

The problem is that there is genuine fear about taking an active stance against gamergate, because that can easily make yourself a target.

I think the only other alternative is to donate to or help Randi Harper or Zoe Quiin, who have both started initiatives towards combating internet harassment and providing support to their victims.

 

[xzeldax3]

Damn, I never really thought about how big this thing got and how it has screwed up the average person's perspective of the gaming industry. I hope that little 12 year old girl grows up with the urge to fight and follow her passions no matter what bumps may be ahead.

 

[Guri]

I already do all of this, but all the welcomeness and politeness from random strangers doesn't cancel out the loud and focused hate of a group with an agenda.

No, but it can help. Here is the thing: I know at least one person from GG (thankfully, far away from me now). I know these people will only do more horrible stuff the more you pressure them. We don't need a war against GG. We need to make this industry more welcoming and diverse. Reject, report and raise awareness of everything GG is doing is part of what you can do, but there is much more. They think we are "anti-gamers". Because we want more diversity.

The gaming industry is scary right now. I was attacked two times in the last 3 months because I defended women/didn't want to support GG. But I'm OK with that. What I am worried is the women leaving because it is scary. A war against GG will only make it more scary. Help them feel welcomed. This is already a lot, considering the current state.

 

[Forkball]

I am already not comfortable as it is to reveal my gender online. It would be under extreme rare circumstances before I will ever reveal my ethnicity. You know, basic internet identity protection stuff.

On a different note, here is my personal opinion of the GG fiasco; on one side we have Chaos, in the form of internet nutcases who are just crazy enough to dedicate themselves to attack people they see as a threat. On the other side is Order, those who sees this as an opportunity to regulate games and gamers to suit their own sense of morality and to get clicks on their gaming websites. The two groups are enemies, but they couldn't attack each other. So instead everyone else gets attacked instead. Order attack game companies and male gamers, Chaos attack specific accidental celebrities.

The battle can't end, because the attackers are not being harmed from either side. Everyone else are the ones being hurt. I will be quite happy to see GG disappearing from this Earth, but that isn't in my power. I just rather not get blown up as collateral damage when the anti-GG forces try to hit what they can't hurt.

....No. One thing I've noticed about GGers is this us vs. them rhetoric. They frequently mention "enemies" and "missions." They really get off on perceived victories, as if this was an actual battle. They have targets they consider high-profile (like Brianna Wu, someone I had never heard of until this whole thing started), and aim to discredit them.

The truth is there is no anti-GG side. That side consists of... well, EVERYONE who isn't patrolling GG sites. GG is literally fighting against no one, and have only served to give more credence and notability to the people they target.