This Is Why I Speak Out

[theotherbaldwin]

There are some people that rail against the idea that there might be a culture of dismissive-ness about rape, or the use of rape to silence. The following anonymous comments left on my last article are a clear example of these attitudes, and why speaking out is necessary:

Trigger warning: What following under the cut are dismissive attitudes about

Comments

Thank you for speaking out.

[octarine]

I haven't said much, anywhere, about my feelings on the whole terrible affair, mostly because it's hard to admit I accepted Penny Arcade's presentation of such subject matter in the past without acknowledging it as symptomatic of a troubling attitude in the gaming community and our larger society. I didn't consider the deeper meaning, nor the consequences, and for that I am sorry.

I continue to be appalled by trollish reactions to concern that a significant faction of the gaming community perpetuates a dismissive attitude toward rape. Penny Arcade is not above reproach, nor do I accept the defensive tactic of "Why wasn't anyone offended by all these other strips in the past?" because it would seem well past due for critique.

Free speech doesn't mean speech without consequences and doesn't mean not taking responsibility for one's subject matter. I wouldn't tell a humorist any subject is taboo, but would advise one to recognize many subjects may invite critique, and not to be dismissive of a reaction just because it doesn't match the intended message of one's work. Just because one doesn't like a concern doesn't mean that concern is without merit.

I'm disappointed in the creators of Penny Arcade for how they've handled these events. I suspect everything I could say on that has already been expressed, and more eloquently, than I might manage at this moment.

I'm glad not all the reactions to your article have been so appalling as those excerpted, because these events deserve critique. Even if those who oppose the nature of this critique were or are the majority of the gaming community, simply being in of majority opinion does not make the subject of critique beyond reproach, nor does a majority's acceptance justify a thing as right or true. I'm glad you aren't taking others' indignity and vitriol to heart because I know it's damned hard to read such hurtful comments without being hurt to some degree.

It takes guts to speak out. Thank you for sharing your concerns and commentary on these events. I have immense respect for you and your courage to say what you needed to say.

Re: Thank you for speaking out.

[octarine]

... please ignore comma after "eloquently" -- I was all "oh, proofreading this obsessively before posting will be enough to ensure I only have as many excessive comments as make sense" and yet a truly errant one snuck in.

Re: Thank you for speaking out.

[octarine]

COMMAS.

No more rereading or comments for me today. Nuuuuu.

Re: Thank you for speaking out.

[theotherbaldwin]

And thank you for an eloquent response. One paragraph resonated in particular with me:

"Free speech doesn't mean speech without consequences and doesn't mean not taking responsibility for one's subject matter. I wouldn't tell a humorist any subject is taboo, but would advise one to recognize many subjects may invite critique, and not to be dismissive of a reaction just because it doesn't match the intended message of one's work. Just because one doesn't like a concern doesn't mean that concern is without merit."

To be honest, it hasn't been random internet trolls' reactions that have hurt, but the reactions of one or two people I am close with. Honestly, I was more surprised than anything else.