Just a few weeks after Facebook was forced to change their policies around monitoring images of violence against women, popular crowdfunding site Kickstarter was involved in a controversy that again revealed just how widespread sexism and misogyny is online – and the responsibility these sites have to fight it. Provided by Weekly Action Alert from Miss Representation.org
Last Wednesday morning a “pick up artist” book was being funded through Kickstarter, written by an author who condones sexual assault in relationships with women. By the end of the day, thousands had tweeted #NotBuyingIt and signed a Do Something petition asking Kickstarter to prevent the project from receiving its funds.
That same day, the site released a statement calling the project “abhorrent” but decided not to take it down based on their guidelines. The book’s creator ended up receiving over $16,000 from the campaign.
It was disheartening news, especially in light of a new World Health Organization report that found that 1 in 3 women worldwide suffer from domestic violence. Books like the one funded through Kickstarter perpetuate the kind of misogyny and inequality which allow this violent culture to flourish.
Yet, on Friday, the story took an unexpected and welcome turn. Kickstarter came to the conclusion that they should listen to their fans and take a stand for women and girls.
The site released an apology, titled “We Were Wrong,” which detailed how they faltered in their initial response and the many steps they are taking to make things right. This includes donating $25,000 to anti-sexual violence organization RAINN and the removal of the offending page. They’ve also pledged, moving forward, to ban “seduction guides” like this altogether.
By publicly speaking out against sexism and misogyny, Kickstarter is sending a powerful message about who they are as a company. You can tweet them a message of support or send a note through their website acknowledging their positive action.
www.kickstarter.com
