At last, some sensible, open discussions about internet abuse are taking place. After years of deafening silence on the subject in public (as opposed to the internet which has been awash with self-righteous claims to freedom of speech from the abusers for years), the floodgates have opened in the last week. It started in The Guardian and New Statesman with the question of misogyny , but has widened to include general abuse of women on the internet. Eventually, I would hope that it broadens into a full discussion about any internet abuse directed by, and at, both men and women .
I've just listened to the subject being tackled on Woman's Hour. (It's ironic that the WH's forum was shut down a couple of years ago precisely because of the widespread abuse it generated - but they didn't mention that on the programme, which was an opportunity missed.) It did what WH does best, and presented the issue calmly and intelligently, giving courage to anyone who has been the target of online abuse, and encouraging them to get rid of the trolls. They also made the chilling point that the people who leave dreadful comments are often ordinary people, living ordinary lives, with ordinary jobs and families.
So, at last, we are no longer in denial about the abuse and the effects it can have. About time, too.
Just sat down to write about the same thing. I know of various bloggers who found their trolls to be people they actually knew. Chilling indeed.
Posted by: Flora Fauna Dinner | November 14, 2011 at 12:22
It was an excellent discussion and I thought of you and other bloggers who have had similar experiences as I listened.
Every time I come across this sort of thing I am astonished that anyone bothers to continue reading something they are not enjoying and feel that the internet gives them some sort of blanket behind which they can hide and post abuse.
Posted by: Rebecca | November 14, 2011 at 13:15
A good discussion but I didn't find it very helpful. One of the contributors said one could block a commenter from commenting on you blog but did not explain how. Obviously one can delete comments but only after you've read them by which time if the comment is abusive you've already been abused.
Posted by: Sue | November 14, 2011 at 13:27
Well said Jane, I listened with interest too.
Posted by: Katie | November 14, 2011 at 19:36
I enjoyed reading the discussion. Thank You for posting
Posted by: Lesley-Anne | November 15, 2011 at 00:19
Thank you for writing about this. We have the same sort of thing happening here in America. Exposing the extent of it is the first step in preventing more of it happening. Thank you for your courage.
Posted by: Carol | November 15, 2011 at 01:35
Thank you for writing about this.
Whilst I don't condone abuse in any form, I always remember what my father told me about such things: "Consider the source." People who leave anonymous nasty comments are pretty pathetic; there is no need to be astonished at their behaviour...these folks simply have a streak of cowardly malice or jealousy in them that is manifesting itself on line. If you don't engage with them, and delete their comments, they have lost their power. The pain body quits spinning.
Posted by: Anna Marie | November 15, 2011 at 09:07
I went to see The Power of Making. Fabulous combination of art and technology. I loved the 3D printers (being a bit of a geek). My art smart daughter enjoyed King Kong and the dress made from pins. She is doing an exhibition review for her course using this exhibition. Enjoyed V & J K Maybe we'll meet again! Heather
Posted by: Heather Jackson | December 11, 2011 at 02:19