I was shocked this week to learn the extent of the abusive and threatening language that women bloggers are being subjected to.
Read what’s been happening here, here, and here.
As a new blogger I was forewarned that anonymity brings out bigots and bullies, but I was unaware of the breadth and depth of the vitriol that women bloggers are receiving. It’s not only distressing but deeply disappointing, making you wonder if the extent of the vitriol represents a more widespread, less vocal attitude.
In terms of BBM, this is an example of Downward Focus – where a negative force that’s either unrecognised or unacknowledged is driving behaviour, using fear to silence those it touches. I sure I’m not alone in being uncomfortable speaking out against this, in case it turns against me.
But the more bloggers that question it, the less harm it can cause…the brighter the light directed onto Downward Focus, the more its impact will dim.
Can we stop this?
Yes, we can.