Gabby's Playhouse: Discussing Sexism on the Internet

[mad]

So, recently Kate Beaton made some comments on Twitter about how sometimes guys that like her work will respond with comments she finds creepy/uncomfortable/offensive.

Gabby's Playhouse then did a webcomic entitled "How Every Single Discussion About Sexism and Woman-Type Stuff on the Internet (and real life) Has Ever Happened And Ever Will Happen, Always, Forever, Until the Earth Finally Falls Into The Sun. (Or until the patriarchy is finally dismantled.)"




[Source.]

I don't quite get that last panel, but the rest of it is kinda recognizable.

Comments

[cleome45]

Sadly, I think even after some males get it, nothing changes. Sometimes they dig their heels in even harder. Well, but you know I'd never personally do anything to hurt you and I love my Mom 'n shit. So I can say [sexist expletive] and [sexist expletive] and whatever I want and you just have to deal with it! Because you KNOW I'm ON YOUR SIDE!

I'm on several Lefty political board where any discussion of sexism ends up here sooner or later. I also love the dude who keeps pointing out that HIS WIFE thinks feminists SUCK! Because, you know, that's totally germane to every discussion about sexism. Also we should take his word for it, and never wonder why Mrs. Lefty can't get on the fucking internet and speak for herself for once.

[snarl]

[kingrockwell]

I'd like to think there's some lack of "getting it" there, but trying to tell them that (hello alliteration!) is another matter entirely. As far as I care, a big part of getting it is knowing how to shut up and listen.

[cleome45]

That sad thing is: these ARE, I think, the guys who shut up and listen. But they still come out of it deciding that it would be hypocritical for them to stop using sexist slurs if they feel genuinely hostile towards a particular woman. (Some of them extend this to the other wonderful "-isms," out there, but not all.)

I have no doubt that they're sincere, good people. I also have no doubt that there are Bad Men out there who nonetheless are capable of getting it all right, from a verbal standpoint, at least.

But sometimes knowing that isn't any comfort. It seems like such a simple, easy thing to do. To just STOP SAYING shit that you know is likely going to upset somebody you want to work with on a cause or project. And they can't make that minimal effort, which makes you wonder about where else they're cutting corners in their daily lives.

Shit.

I wonder if there's any vodka left. brb.

[kingrockwell]

Ugh, that is true. Another part I've come to accept of "getting it" is knowing that I'm not really entitled to anyone's benefit of the doubt, and shouldn't expect any trust I'm not given.

i'd pass you some of this vodka through the screen if i could

[cleome45]

Ah, yeah. I try to remember that in the other privilege discussions. Sometimes I'm even successful. [cough]

You're too kind. I'll go see if there's any lemons left in the crisper. :D

[greenmask]

"it would be hypocritical for them to stop using sexist slurs if they feel genuinely hostile towards a particular woman."

X_X

Whaaat.

[cleome45]

You can't make this stuff up. :/