I love that XKCD post, too!

I am paying “blog calls” to all @scio12 attendees to say “Hi” and give a shoutout on twitte (I’m @sciencegoddess) . I look forward to meeting in January!

1. More Awareness: I think there are some folks, guys in particular, that just have no idea how rough the web can be for women. I think the more people know about this the more likely they are to a) second guess their own actions and b) intervene.

2. Calling People Out: Trolls are loud and they will come back in force, but if all someone hears are trolls it strongly works to reinforce the baggage that is out there. I think it is important for more people to stand behind and voice their concerns in all contexts as a feminist.

Beyond this, I can say that following and supporting conversations, on blogs like Geek Feminism , and participating in things like are also a good first steps.

*(This exchange seems as good an example as any.)

&

*…and pray we convert them while coming out unscathed?

1.) This cannot stand. Sexism is sexism, and must be fought and “called out” in every instance.

2.) There’s not much you can do about it. People who really believe it won’t change, and the other folks who use that rhetoric are simply trolls, willing to do anything for attention. (This exchange seems as an example as any.)

Which leaves me with this question: do the sexist commenters know that their speech is inappropriate, wrong and hurtful? (good luck convincing true believers of the last two). I think it’s pretty hard to argue that they don’t. If this is the case, does pointing out their depravity make an impact? They know it’s wrong, but that apparently hasn’t dissuaded them from the behavior.

Or more pointedly, do they realize that there is another human on the other end of the internet? I think this is the quality most often lacking in those commenters. It’s much easier to see the LCD in front of you than the person a few routers away.

So what’s the plan of action? Ignoring it is easier and more comfortable. There’s a certain inevitability to anonymous people being abrasive that makes sweeping it under the rug appealing. In some cases, fighting it with blogs and comments only gives the trolls the attention they crave, and reinforces their belief in sexism’s ability to provoke a response.

On the other hand, what if the sexists really don’t know how unacceptable their speech is? Challenging their BS could set them straight. Depending on how many dyed-in-the-wool sexists vs. trolls vs. unconscious misogynists one believes exists, this could be pretty effective or a total flop. It’ll take energy, time, and determination (and could cost even more, as Skud’s experience shows) but it could also make a difference. And if no one fights, how can anyone expect positive change?

I ask as a newb, a dunderhead and a plebe, what’s one to do? What is the best way to reduce the sum total of sexism in the little corner of the internet I experience? Don’t feed the trolls, shun them, and hope the sexists have a sudden flash of empathy? Or fight them on the forums, fight them on the comments, the blogs and the streets… and pray we convert it though while coming out unscathed?

Or better yet, is there a third (or forth, fifth, etc.) option I’ve yet to consider?