Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.

The Great Debate

This article is over 11 years old and may contain outdated information

image
[folder_nav]
image
[folder_nav]

Of all the criticism thrown at Anita Sarkeesian, the bitching about her decision to disable YouTube comments in the face of an organized campaign of harassment is the most misguided. It’s a dumb position for a couple of reasons. First, it implies that anyone who makes a video is honor-bound to lend their credibility and popularity to the opposing argument, they are not. Second, it implies YouTube comments contain anything that could remotely be called criticism, they do not. “I hope you get raped,” is not criticism. “Feminazi whore,” is not criticism. “Make me a sandwich,” is not criticism, nor is it funny.

Even if you were to somehow able to magically filter out all of the outright trolling, you’d still be left with a public forum that offers about as much intellectual fulfillment as shitting into your own hands in the middle of a rave. If you want to respond to a YouTube video, try the following:

  • Make a video response.
  • No, really. Make a fucking video response. It’s what YouTube is actually for.
  • Write an article! It’s like a comment, only longer and occasionally less mind-numbingly stupid.
  • Open a thread on a forum that has actual rules enforced by actual people.

As always, you can follow Grey and Cory on Twitter.

Recommended Videos

The Escapist is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission.Ā Learn more about our Affiliate Policy