@thywater I think part of the problem is that there was some poor quality analysis being done without enough rigor behind it. Some of the statements being made were poorly supported with evidence and attempts to speak critically about the substance of these claims were being met with ad hominem attacks accusing the critic of sexism.

Anita Sarkeesian comes to mind as someone who represents the worst of SJW. When people performed rational deconstruction pointing out the flaws in her analysis, she would go on the offensive and label such criticism as “Harassment.” To be fair, she did suffer severe actual harassment too.

@gorillapaws Hmm. Thats interesting. Sounds a bit like monotheistic religion? Also – I kinda understand the emotion behind these women speaking about social justice and inequality because its deeply rooted, like they must’ve suffered some trauma from it in childhood. I have a female friend who wasn’t allowed to speak about serious topics in dinners, and now she can get emotional when someone doesn’t take her seriously or is faced with ridicule by men. I think generation X won’t be as emotional about these issues as we are.

Not everybody is socially equal in dealing with certain issues. Everybody wants to be heard, but few want to listen. And there are always two sides to every story, two sides that must be dealt with equally.

The most important factor to people I know, is that the people on camera or actively participating, actually have knowledge of what they’re doing there, what the issue is and are able to articulate those things.

Getting a bunch of people together to get attention is different than getting a bunch of engaged, educated activists together.

The term “social justice warrior “ is used as a putdown by critics. Like “liberal snowflakes.” Nothing wrong with the people themselves.

@gorillapaws Just sent you a virtual hug. Spot on.

There is nothing wrong with promoting socially progressive views, including feminism, civil rights, and multiculturalism. The problem comes when people use said promotion as an outlet for their angst and anger. Feminism as an example when promoted as an egalitarian movement is fine but people distort it into other things and it just ends up being used as an excuse for bad behavior. In the case of Anita Sarkeesian for profit.

SJW was originally a positive term some people used. Then it started being used derisively.

Wikipedia says: ” Social justice warrior (SJW) is a pejorative term for an individual who promotes socially progressive views, including feminism, civil rights, and multiculturalism,[1][2] as well as identity politics.[3] The accusation that somebody is an SJW carries implications that they are pursuing personal validation rather than any deep-seated conviction,[4] and engaging in disingenuous arguments.[5]”

“The phrase originated in the late 20th century as a neutral or positive term for people engaged in social justice activism.[1] In 2011, when the term first appeared on Twitter, it changed from a primarily positive term to an overwhelmingly negative one.[1] During the Gamergate controversy, the negative connotation gained increased use, and was particularly aimed at those espousing views adhering to social liberalism, cultural inclusivity, or feminism, as well as views deemed to be politically correct.[1][2] ”

(from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_justice_warrior)

Here is an article that tries to explain the story of the transition from positive term to a pejorative, and then some of the counter-reaction to that.