Why are feminist bloggers a target for rape threats and homophobia?

Question

From a Feminist Blogger: Either we're too ugly to get a man and so we turn to feminism (and cats), or we're too pretty to be taken seriously. Often it's some combination of both.

A feminist blogger stated that she doesn't know a single feminist blogger who doesn't get rape threats posted in her blog (before they block them) like "I'm 98% sure that she should be raped." If those posting rape threats are blocked, these feminist bloggers are targeted by other blogs that post hundreds of rape messages and threads about raping them, and proceed to post the feminist blogger's pictures, personal information and their movements.

I don't consider threatening people with rape free speech, it's hate speech. What will it take so men and women can discuss feminist issues without being threatened with rape?
http://bloggingfeminism.blogspot.com/2007/05/public-woman.html

I hope people who get harassed don't quit, but I can understand why. Who wants to put up with that type of behavior, if you don't have to?

Answer 1

In a society with childish individuals you will get that especially from a strong willed woman that makes a man feel emasculated... guys have alot of pride instilled in them and dont like feeling less dominant its their nature, and most of all they dotn like a woman making them feel that way. I know rape is a horrible thing and should not be joked about but if you think about it, it is one thing that is pretty much a thing only a man can do, well that and pee standing up.. so they play that card because they have that power that a woman does not. It makes them feel manly again.. if they were real men they would be able to play host to a clean healthy good old debate o arugment.. I wish guys like this knew the real effects of something like rape so maybe they wouldnt throw it around so lightly.. but in the end you can rest knowing that apperntly they are to stupid to debate an issue so they rely and threats to make up for it.

Answer 2

I suggest people who find this funny actually read the link that was posted - that means you, Sarina. The voices that should be silenced are not the bloggers, but the troublemakers. This is not a few kids playing on the computer. Feminist bloggers are threatened and some have been stalked and forced to change their lives. It doesn't stop if they discontinue their blogging. Now what do you say? Is it still okay?

Answer 3

First, such threats are quite illegal. Second, feminist issues sometimes scare a certain type of men, that feel emasculated, or somehow attacked. They see the world as a matter of power, and a threat a way to gain more power over the threatened.

Answer 4

I have to agree with Lucas, stupidity is at the root of the issue. Those who resort to violence, including violent threats in a blog, are incompetent to live as men.

Answer 5

If you want to blog, then you'll have to deal with these bottom dwelling, scum sucking, perverts one at a time until they stop and you don't.

It's not fair but I don't know what else would work. Please don't quit blogging! Show 'em they won't stop you.

Answer 6

I think threatening someone with rape is definitely illegal. She should report it to the FBI. It's like threatening to murder somebody, you can't do that.

Answer 7

I would say that is one of the chances you take when you choose to be a feminist blogger. Stop blogging if you don't like it.

Baba, I do not find rape or violence funny. How you would get that from my answer is a mystery. At any rate, if you do not like what you see on your computer, turn it off.

Answer 8

Since you brought it up, I think you should ask a follow-up question on cats.

Never mind. I'll ask it myself.