Why do you think some anti-feminists harass individual feminists in GWS? But so few feminists do the same?

Question

I've noticed that some anti-feminists target feminists in GWS (Gender and Women's Studies), and ask questions using the feminist's profile names. Often the questions are derogatory, negatively discussing the feminist's attractiveness and/or sexuality. But I rarely see anti-feminists being targeted by feminists-once in a while, but the attacks on feminists is a constant event, even though it is against Yahoo Community Guidelines. Usually the feminists being targeted, harassed and stalked are female as well.

Why do you think there are so many personal attacks of feminists in GWS, by anti-feminists:
-Are they "losing" a battle?
-Are they taking Q&A's personally?
-Do they feel justified in attacking anyone who dares to be a feminist?
-Are they stalkers in "real-life"?

Answer 1

I've been targeted pretty regularly, and to be honest, I have no way of knowing what the person (s) ideology is--an idiot is my only certain conclusion. His posts are poorly "planned" to make anybody look good. If anything, he sometimes works against anti-feminists, attacking me baselessly to the point of even "anti-feminists" disputing his claims---so I'm not sure if this is a feminist vs anti-feminist battle or civilization vs ignorance battle.

Answer 2

Well feminists in here are mostly normal and good people who are serious about the goal of legal and social equality and enjoy discussing it. Did I say we are normal good people? :)

Most anti-feminists in here I think have issues and an attitude. Some are honest. And Some people are just idiot trolls but some people really have a lot of anger. Some people talk like they think they are on some mission to complain about feminists online.

So there is no real suprise that Some anti-feminists target feminists who are active in here and freespoken. Or that they are nasty and hostile to women. It's easy to do online and I think they like how they can do it here anon and not have the results they would get if they dare try it IRL.

I don't agree with Tera that they are kids acting stupid because they like some one. This is part of their way of attacking women. Either as trolls trying to get attention (and succeeding) or as sick bitter angry people.

Answer 3

I have observed that the anti-feminists on this board tend to be emotional individuals with poor impulse control. The first response they usually give to this type of question is a "men are the victims; feminists are attacking us, they're angry and mean to us", types of emotion based generalizations.

Some of these individuals also answer questions in the Religion and Spirituality section and display a tell-tale pattern of poor critical thinking ability in their defense of superstitious, emotion-based beliefs and often derogatory comments toward others who do not share these beliefs.

In a nutshell, the anti-feminists have poor coping skills and a paranoid, overtly emotional view of the world and of women. If they understood what equality meant, they would probably feel better and realize that when all members of a population are living up to their potential we all profit from their expertise and contributions. Unfortunately there are a handful of very dysfunctional individuals who have nothing better to do than grumble into their keyboards.

Answer 4

I think it's an insecurity thing. Many of misogynists hold to the idea that women are all not only dumb, but have no problem with being treated like objects. So when a bright feminist woman starts challenging this idea, they get angry. Of course, I've known at least one "feminist" who got equally angry at me for not holding with the party line of "daycare is great". So I think any insecure person can lash out if someone challenges their stereotypes - we just see more anti-feminists doing this because their stereotypes are the easiest to break!

Answer 5

Everyone needs a hobby. It's just sad that they chose one that harms other people. Seems like there should be some legal recourse, but the TOS pretty much state "let the buyer beware."

I sympathize with those who have been personally attacked, and I report blatant violations. Beyond that, it's not worth my time to analyze this sociopathic behavior.

Maybe Yahoo needs a psychological referral service for people whose accounts are repeatedly suspended.

Answer 6

Oh yeah. It's ridiculous. I doubt they take it personally, as I've read some profiles and some of them say they (in laments terms) they just want to give people hell.

A particular person didn't like the way I answered a question about why some men and women hate women's rights, and I answered (this is the partial answer):
Honestly - I don't understand it either.
I don't know why men (and some women) don't want other women to have a mind and a uterus that is solely hers!

Her response: If your uterus is yours than I strong advise. you to keep your legs crossed and I hope for your sake you are. After all the things you accuse men of you want them to say thanx

Hello - out of line? That and I've been married for ten years which makes her statement false.

But there is no need for stuff like this. It's like we can't answer a question without being attacked.

But basically I think they just like making people defensive. It's something they can throw back and at them.

Answer 7

Well, for the record, I don't agree with the harrassment that's been going on. Even though I don't agree 100% with feminism's views(or even masculisms), I still wouldn't stoop so low to harrass someone. People are entitled to their own views and to make up their own minds.
But what gets me is that the people who engage in harrassing emails and posting of personal questions about feminists, are the ones who are sexist themselves.

Answer 8

Feminists, in general, don’t attack the anti-feminists because we don’t stoop so low as to put ourselves on that same crude level. I would rather come back with a humorous retort than puts them in their place as opposed to telling them that their weasels.

Answer 9

I think a lot of the anti-feminists are trolls and they are just deliberately trying to get people angry for no good reason. Don't let them get to you. If you don't give them the attention they are looking for, they will go away.

Answer 10

Personally, I think that even though their comments are often very derogatory, they actually have a secret attraction toward the women they are focusing so much attention on. Remember back in elementary school when boys who wanted to get your attention pulled your hair or chased you on the playground at recess? Same principle going on here, too, I think. Guys acting childishly to get a girl's attention. Too bad they never did figure out that there's a better way to do this other than being completely obnoxious. (It never really worked in the third grade either, did it?)