'I got death threats when men thought I put feminist gesture in video game'

Overview of the Situation

• Darim, a female animator at an animation studio, was targeted by online harassment after posting a character trailer for MapleStory.

• She faced death and rape threats from young male gamers upset by a perceived feminist gesture in the animation.

• The backlash highlighted a rising concern among women in South Korea regarding their safety and the representation of feminists.

Details of the Incident

• Darim's email and social media exploded with abusive messages within hours of her trailer's release.

• The offending frame showed a character gesture misinterpreted as mocking Korean men, linked to a bygone feminist symbol.

• Darim described the messages as “disgusting and inhumane” and reported fears for her job security.

Context of Gender-based Backlashes

• Witch Hunts:

  • The incident represents a trend in South Korea where men attack women suspected of feminist views.

  • Young male gamers lead these campaigns, often using social media to incite harassment.

  • Women are commonly branded as man-haters and face efforts to get them fired.

• Cultural Backlash Against Feminism:

  • Feminists are often mischaracterized and attributed with extreme views which amplify hostility.

  • Activism for women's rights has led to increased aggression and claims of discrimination among young men.

Personal Insight and Changes

• Minsung Kim, a male gamer turned feminist, highlighted the culture of harassment and initiated a support organization for victims like Darim.

• Despite the initial threat to Darim’s career, she retained her position with legal support from concerned parties.

Effects on the Industry

• Companies capitulating to harassment claims are emboldening perpetrators.

• Case of a young illustrator losing her job due to gamer complaints; similar retaliation observed with international firms.

• Example: Renault suspended an employee over the alleged gesture in a presentation.

Broader Cultural Phenomena

• Misunderstandings About Feminism:

  • Young men often form skewed perceptions through online platforms that distort feminist intentions.

  • The finger-pinching gesture becomes a symbolic tool against feminism, pathologizing benign actions.

• Political Influence:

  • The political landscape, with anti-feminist rhetoric from leaders, further legitimizes these sentiments among the population.

  • The rise in anti-feminist sentiment is scrutinized within educational and occupational paradigms.

Real-world Consequences

• Physical Violence:

  • Example of Jigu, who faced violence for her appearance and perceived alignment with feminist ideals.

  • Legal precedents emerging from such cases acknowledge the misogynistic motivation behind attacks.

Growing Feminist Response

• Quiet Feminism:

  • Women are increasingly concealing their beliefs due to fears of backlash; feminists express frustration over the dilution of the movement.

  • Statistics reveal a decline in women identifying as feminists in South Korea over recent years.

• Need for Structural Changes:

  • Advocates push for anti-discrimination laws to protect women openly expressing feminist beliefs.

  • Calls for businesses and authorities to uphold values and resist the intimidation from anti-feminist groups.

Looking Forward

• Darim and others are seeking ways to challenge these narratives, including community support and legal reform.

• Jigu’s embrace of feminism post-attack showcases resilience and aims to empower other victims, emphasizing solidarity and strength in advocacy.