The Sexism in GTA is not abating.

[MrWuggy]

Two months I reported on the escalation of sexism in GTA Online. Specifically being targeted with messages like rape threats, misogynstic slurs etc

Needless to say it hasn't abated and despite great reluctance I've been forced to create a new PSN and character.

 

I feel victimised by this whole ordeal, and would really advise against using a PSN name that indicates you're a woman.

I can guarantee there will be posters who trivialise my predicament, but just try to empathise for a minute.

I've been engulfed with vitriolic message within the in game messaging system calling me named like b**** c**** and to my dismay have even been getting rape messages.

When one of your best forms of entertainment is gaming, and guys are trying to impede that enjoyment it's tremendously annoying.

I don't know why or what has precipitated this escalation in abuse since December, I've not changed anything.

Is it that there has been a sudden influx of young gamers? Maybe their hormones are acting up or something?

Either way, it's inexcusable and I hope these children stop acting like sophomoric little twerps.

Why is the idea of girls playing games so perturbing to some guys? We're not threatening your masculinity!

 

Anyway, lastly I wanted to say a special thanks to the guys who called out some of these users on Mic, and stood up to this odious behaviour.

A month or two ago I said I thought sexism was rife in the gaming culture, but I actually have recanted. I just think it's the chauvinists who tend to be vociferous so it gives the misleading impression that sexism is more widespread than it actually is. But it is essential that the good guys stand up and let the misogynists know this behaviour is indefensible. That's how you truly show a woman you care. Be welcoming to women in gaming and don't presume it's a facade for attention. Nothing more annoying.

 

 

 

[ExtremeTorque]

In a game where players turn into dicks, prepare to face dickheads

[Mattyp1514]

I just think it's the chauvinists who tend to be vociferous so it gives the misleading impression that sexism is more widespread than it actually is.

 

 

 

Squeaky wheel gets the grease. They want attention, they'll keep spouting off more and more until you react. Easiest way is to not react to it.

[AceThaCreator]

Hey i got no problem with playing games with girls hell i dont care about race, age, and gender all that is irrelevant when we all have common goals which is bonding through online gaming. Yea theres girls who do it for attention like with other things in life but theres ones who truly enjoy gaming as much as us men and the problem with online is that your always going to find immature bigoted douchebags who probably can' t get a gf irl or aren't accepted or picked on. I say just tell them to **** off for every 1 douchebag theres always 10 other cool guys like myself who love gaming and don''t care about gender,race and etc .

[Ova-Destroy]

its grand theft auto online, the game itself has overtones of sexes behavior. But every time I die or kill another player all I hear is a brief insult. its not that your a woman, it just gives them something to personal that's easy to attack such as I wear a cowboy hat so I get called a red neck lol.. its just how the game is and it won't change, don't bother yourself to much with it. report them if they threaten rape tho, that is far over the line.

[BSEANO]

 

Why is the idea of girls playing games so perturbing to some guys?

Because they're awkward 13 year old boys who would run away with a trail of urine behind them if a girl tried to speak to them in real life.

People are completely different over the internet, I wouldn't take it personally. Unfortunately all you can do really is keep reporting and blocking/avoiding.

[helresa]

It is a big problem, and sadly there is very little you can do other than to report the users to MS or Sony.. As for the threats of rape you could try the police but I doubt they would have a clue...

 

Also join one of the all girl crews, we have strength in numbers http://socialclub.rockstargames.com/crew/girls_on_gta

[codename_duchess]

Two months I reported on the escalation of sexism in GTA Online. Specifically being targeted with messages like rape threats, misogynstic slurs etc

Needless to say it hasn't abated and despite great reluctance I've been forced to create a new PSN and character.

 

I feel victimised by this whole ordeal, and would really advise against using a PSN name that indicates you're a woman.

I can guarantee there will be posters who trivialise my predicament, but just try to empathise for a minute.

I've been engulfed with vitriolic message within the in game messaging system calling me named like b**** c**** and to my dismay have even been getting rape messages.

When one of your best forms of entertainment is gaming, and guys are trying to impede that enjoyment it's tremendously annoying.

I don't know why or what has precipitated this escalation in abuse since December, I've not changed anything.

Is it that there has been a sudden influx of young gamers? Maybe their hormones are acting up or something?

Either way, it's inexcusable and I hope these children stop acting like sophomoric little twerps.

Why is the idea of girls playing games so perturbing to some guys? We're not threatening your masculinity!

 

Anyway, lastly I wanted to say a special thanks to the guys who called out some of these users on Mic, and stood up to this odious behaviour.

A month or two ago I said I thought sexism was rife in the gaming culture, but I actually have recanted. I just think it's the chauvinists who tend to be vociferous so it gives the misleading impression that sexism is more widespread than it actually is. But it is essential that the good guys stand up and let the misogynists know this behaviour is indefensible. That's how you truly show a woman you care. Be welcoming to women in gaming and don't presume it's a facade for attention. Nothing more annoying.

 

 

 

Too much talking, not enough sandwich making lol joke

 

I'm not sure how best to answer this but do agree with what you're saying. I've been in a few lobbies before when there's females using the mic's, a d you get to hear all sorts of fruity comments from some males.

Edited March 24, 2014 by codename_duchess

[Thr33X]

 

I just think it's the chauvinists who tend to be vociferous so it gives the misleading impression that sexism is more widespread than it actually is.

Squeaky wheel gets the grease. They want attention, they'll keep spouting off more and more until you react. Easiest way is to not react to it.

 

*NOTE- Not attacking your for your comment, just asking in general*

 

Why should we have to settle for this "quiet is kept" mentality though? Yes, muting the person ends your irritation, but it doesn't actually solve the problem. If there was a surefire guarantee that report these idiots would actually result in them being penalized, then I'm sure everyone would do it, but I feel people should do it still, just for the fact that ignoring the problem as it were isn't solving the problem.

[PaulDPearl]

Don't talk to strangers on GTA - it's just not worth it...

 

VOICE = Crew+Friends only

 

It's really the only way to play... though I wish there was an option for "friends of friends" - as that would eliminate ANY need to EVER go to "EVERYONE"

[em1b16a2]

first world problems, smfh.

[Upggrade]

People take this way to god damn serious. You know this is the internet right?

[Mosin Nagant 91/30]

I love instigating sh*t once someone let's their guard down and shows I can get under their skin. sh*t-talking is a cornerstone of gaming, especially amongst men. If some whiny little girl (literally) can't handle it, then GTFO. Nobody cares about your bullsh*t ass politically correct sexism accusations.

[Mattyp1514]

 

 

I just think it's the chauvinists who tend to be vociferous so it gives the misleading impression that sexism is more widespread than it actually is.

Squeaky wheel gets the grease. They want attention, they'll keep spouting off more and more until you react. Easiest way is to not react to it.

 

*NOTE- Not attacking your for your comment, just asking in general*

 

Why should we have to settle for this "quiet is kept" mentality though? Yes, muting the person ends your irritation, but it doesn't actually solve the problem. If there was a surefire guarantee that report these idiots would actually result in them being penalized, then I'm sure everyone would do it, but I feel people should do it still, just for the fact that ignoring the problem as it were isn't solving the problem.

 

Because theres nothing you can do to stop it. Report them, player says I never said anything of the sort...case closed. You can't penalize on heresay, and thats what it basically comes down to...you vs them in a war of he said/she said and in the end it goes nowhere. Trust me, in a perfect world it would be dealt with, but sadly it's far from it so theres only so much you can hope for realistically.

 

I've found that just leaving or ignoring is the best medicine. They can't say things if you can't hear them. I played Borderlands for way more hours than I care to admit, and after playing with the same group for 3-4 hours, 2 of the 4 left leaving me and some either french or canadian dude. I'll go with french because it just makes sense. Literally 2 seconds after they left, he fires off "You like da poosey?"...not offensive, just inappropriate on a few levels, so instead of encouraging or even getting involved in a conversation I had no desire to, I left the session. Easy fix.

Edited March 24, 2014 by Mattyp1514

[I3AZZAI2]

Hey, don't get your panties in a bunch... err.. sticks and stones. sh*t like that is gonna happen all the time in online video games. We exist in a time where many cultures exist that favor males as the dominant gender. Its changing though. You're gonna find tons of scumbags and preteen-dudebros in video games, you just can't let that sh*t bug you.

I do however find it hard to believe that it is as bad as you make it out to be. Sounds like you're doing something to catalyze these people into sending you these messages, rape threats, etc. Best way to deal with those f*cks is to not give them the time of day. Trolls will troll trolls trolling trolls trolling until the end of day.

Edited March 24, 2014 by I3AZZAI2

[helresa]

as for the comment, "it's just the internet " as if that justifies the whole thing, it's a real as a physical verbal assault, it doesn't matter what the medium is.

[rob602pa]

And this is why they don't put male and female prisoners together. Playing a mature male based and dominated game is like a woman walking through the prison yard. I'm not saying this as a shot at u. It just extremely unlikely to change as there is little accountability online, you have to handle it or move on.

[MrWuggy]

People take this way to god damn serious. You know this is the internet right?

Because somehow the internet means you suddenly become impervious to abuse, right? nah. Sometimes the anonymity of the abuser makes it more unsettling.

I'm sick of this nonsense where abuse on the internet is considered trivial. It can still have emotional consequences.

Edited March 24, 2014 by MrWuggy

[Mattyp1514]

as for the comment, "it's just the internet " as if that justifies the whole thing, it's a real as a physical verbal assault, it doesn't matter what the medium is.

No its not, theres no imminent danger unless the person is in the vicinity as you. Its still assault, but its FAR lesser of a degree. Especially seeing 99% of those threats come from people who have no means to follow through.

Edited March 24, 2014 by Mattyp1514

[MrWuggy]

as for the comment, "it's just the internet " as if that justifies the whole thing, it's a real as a physical verbal assault, it doesn't matter what the medium is.

Usually a rationalisation used by.... you guessed it! Abusers!

[Zwenkwiel]

 

People take this way to god damn serious. You know this is the internet right?

Because somehow the internet means you suddenly become impervious to abuse. Sometimes the anonymity of the abuser makes it more unsettling.

I'm sick of this nonsense where abuse on the internet is considered trivial. It can still have emotional consequences.

 

 

it does for me, I don't care what some random person has to say about me.

I'm not condoning anything but if you're easily offended some places on the internet might be unsettling

and I think it's pretty obvious to see why gta:O would be one of those places.

[am30]

So a random voice or bunch of words on the internet that you'll never see or hear from ever again insults you in a meaningless game? So what?! We all get abuse (be it sexist, homophobic, racist, bigoted or just plain stupid) from time to time.

 

I'm not justifying it, I'm just saying it's not worth giving a second thought.

[J_L_K_64]

So a random voice or bunch of words on the internet that you'll never see or hear from ever again insults you in a meaningless game? So what?! We all get abuse (be it sexist, homophobic, racist, bigoted or just plain stupid) from time to time.

 

I'm not justifying it, I'm just saying it's not worth giving a second thought.

exactly this

 

it's life, get over it and grow a thicker skin, life ain't fair, so just deal with the sh*t that comes your way and get the f*ck over it and move on

Edited March 24, 2014 by J_L_K_64

[iheartlondon1969]

nobody acts like they do in gta irl. everyones a p ussy

[RooftopSniper]

Two months I reported on the escalation of sexism in GTA Online. Specifically being targeted with messages like rape threats, misogynstic slurs etc

Needless to say it hasn't abated and despite great reluctance I've been forced to create a new PSN and character.

 

I feel victimised by this whole ordeal, and would really advise against using a PSN name that indicates you're a woman.

I can guarantee there will be posters who trivialise my predicament, but just try to empathise for a minute.

I've been engulfed with vitriolic message within the in game messaging system calling me named like b**** c**** and to my dismay have even been getting rape messages.

When one of your best forms of entertainment is gaming, and guys are trying to impede that enjoyment it's tremendously annoying.

I don't know why or what has precipitated this escalation in abuse since December, I've not changed anything.

Is it that there has been a sudden influx of young gamers? Maybe their hormones are acting up or something?

Either way, it's inexcusable and I hope these children stop acting like sophomoric little twerps.

Why is the idea of girls playing games so perturbing to some guys? We're not threatening your masculinity!

 

Anyway, lastly I wanted to say a special thanks to the guys who called out some of these users on Mic, and stood up to this odious behaviour.

A month or two ago I said I thought sexism was rife in the gaming culture, but I actually have recanted. I just think it's the chauvinists who tend to be vociferous so it gives the misleading impression that sexism is more widespread than it actually is. But it is essential that the good guys stand up and let the misogynists know this behaviour is indefensible. That's how you truly show a woman you care. Be welcoming to women in gaming and don't presume it's a facade for attention. Nothing more annoying.

 

 

 

 

None of what you say is excusable nor acceptable and the majority of players would likely agree with you. However, there's not much you can do about it beyond ignore it.

 

We have a few female players in my clan & we stick to invite only sessions. We rarely play in GenPop because we just dont want to put up with the bullsh*t.

 

I suggest you find a clan or some like minded people and play exclusively with them.

[Jyra]

You must bring it on yourself OP... you have to.

 

My girl never has this problem.... only 12 year olds wanting pics.

 

We both play female characters... a squeeker will usually say something but that's when you either kill him or poor gas on his chrome POS.

 

Like f*ck woman... start up a Twitch wearing bunny ears / nurse outfit... appoint mods to ban people... and live in your own little attentionwhoring world. Or grow a set and start playing GTA like it's GTA and not Hello Kitty Island Adventure 3: The Flow Begins.

[Soran Is On]

If they don't know you personally, who are they to say anything?

 

The only thing that should hurt you is the truth...

 

there are ignore and mute settings for a reason.

 

if you cannot discipline perpetrators of hate then you must remove their power... the only way to do that is to not be offended.

[senormidget]

Yup good advice guys, ignoring problems always makes them go away.

 

Tell that to the black community, I'm sure they'll agree.

[lalilulelo]

I have no problems with Girls playing Videogames, i don't even know why people say that Videogames aren't for girls and only for boys. Also I'm sorry to hear what has happened to you, not to forget that GTA is a Game filled with little kids and dickheads. Just ignore the low IQ of those people, that's my way of dealing with it when people start to insult me. o/

Edited March 24, 2014 by lalilulelo

[Kampioen]

Just consider it a lesson learned about humanity and stop giving a f*ck.