In a patriarchal society where feminism is viewed as worse than misogyny, calls for equality are criticized despite reassurances that feminists do not hate men. Studies show that feminine usernames receive an average of 100 sexually explicit threatening messages a day (compared to masculine usernames, which receive about 3.7 sexually threatening messages). The gendered violence that occurs online (and off) necessitates and makes clear the rationale and the purpose behind the feminist movement.
Helen Lewis, an English journalist, devised the eponymous law termed Lewis’ Law, the idea that “the comments on any article about feminism justify feminism.” Embedded in the neck-bearded forest of 4Chan and within the YouTube comments section, you are likely to find deeply misogynistic comments and rape threats. It’s not hard to find and to pretend it doesn’t exist just further contributes to rape culture and the perception that female voice is unreliable and overly emotional. Whenever someone tells me that feminism is unnecessary, his or her responses always seem to justify the exact reason feminism exists.
Amanda Hess’ article “Why Women Aren’t Welcome on the Internet” describes this cyber-misogyny and how harassment in the form of derogatory language and sexist rhetoric is much more likely to target women. It is present in exactly any situation where a female is talking about feminism and a male feels that threatening a woman with rape will prove her wrong. This blatant ignorance toward the prevalence of rape culture and its casual denial justifies exactly why rape culture exists and telling a woman that she’s being overdramatic about women’s issues proves how often a woman’s voice is neglected and forgotten like the thousands of rape kits left untouched in the United States.
In any movement that seeks to provide a voice for the voiceless, the oppressors will always find a way to make it about themselves. Some white people believe racism isn’t real, and some heterosexuals believe homophobia isn’t validated because it’s easier to dehumanize those whom you don’t see as human. By tearing down feminist arguments with rape threats and sexist rhetoric, misogynists demonstrate why it is imperative to continue speaking out. Until these critics view their ideological opponents as fully human, the need for feminist activism continues.