The Disturbing March of the Social Justice Warrior

*Disclaimer: The Views and Opinions expressed in this op-ed are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Enthusiacs.com.*

You see them every day; seemingly normal-looking people leading seemingly normal-looking lives. They work, they sleep, they interact with friends from time to time, just like the rest of us. But behind the walls of their own home, in the relative safe confines of their own little world, they change. With a push of a button; a button that connects them to all walks of life and to people from all corners of the earth, they shed their skin like a snake and become something… disturbing. A creature of hate and venom. A monster of the web. Something that rational people and polite society would condemn. And they do so gleefully, without remorse or shame. Is it merely for attention? Or an attempt to assert an authority they otherwise could not? Perhaps it is this false sense of power that comes with anonymity? Maybe it is all these things and more.

They spend hours on the web reciting their dogma with practiced precision. Preaching, almost, to the masses. No opposition is tolerated. No divisive thought is allowed. Any attempt at civil discussion is viewed as a personal attack, every critical comment viewed as harassment. There is no tolerance for opposition, no notion of personable accountability for what they say or do. And what is even more disturbing is the fact that through the web, they are able to connect to like-minded people who share their beliefs, and soon enough form their own pseudo-religious, quasi-political groups. They attempt, through sheer brute force of will, to dictate how society should be; how they should react, how they should condemn, how they should adapt to their leadership and to no one else.

Some are charismatic, intelligent or even famous. Others are simply either delusional or psychotic. Sometimes, they can be a combination of many things. Intelligent, charismatic, but in the end questionably sane. And those that follow them seem to do so without question. In fact, anyone even attempting to question this person becomes the enemy. There is no room for civility, no chance at equality. They draw a digital line in the proverbial sand, and dare. They dare people to question, they dare people to challenge. But dangerously so, they dare people to leave. This mindset is unhealthy, a fanaticism bordering upon cult-like worship. And, according to the Cult Education Institute, a disturbing sign that the group that many people cling to, could be considered a cult.

In today’s society, many would attribute this cult thinking to what would otherwise be something commendable; the Social Justice Warrior, also broadly referred to as a media activist. On paper, the concept of a Social Justice Warrior would be something everyone should strive for; an SJW is any person who fights for a society based on the core principles of equality, equal rights for all individuals, and personal respect for all human beings no matter their religion or skin color. But under this paper-thin veneer of civility, many supposed Social Justice Warriors repeatedly, and vehemently, engage in bigoted views and arguments that do nothing more than gain them a level of personal reputation; most of which is viewed by the world at large as universally negative in design. They are, in essence, a monster hiding in Social Justice armor.

Where, many wonder, did this idea of equality turn so wrong? More importantly, why? Many think that the ideals of the SJW movement has been co-opted by radicals who mean not to ensure equality, but eradication. In fact, the social justice movement seems to go hand in hand with the ideas and beliefs currently being espoused by a new feminism movement, one that seeks to dominate rather than live in symbiosis with male-centric or male-dominated subcultures. More and more, this movement is seeking to subvert, or even eliminate, certain aspects in certain social circles that would otherwise take time to include female-centric ideology. Rather than allow industries like the gaming community, for example, to slowly introduce more female-positive changes across the medium in a more natural and welcoming fashion, this third-wave feminist movement seeks to wedge, forcefully, their ideas without personal accountability or a concern for the effects that they create. They see only a problem, and nothing but “their way” is the only acceptable way to fix that problem.

It is a disturbing trend. One that carries with it all the signs and symptoms of a cult. It is often said that if a person ever questions whether or not they’re in a cult, then chances are they’re in a cult. And for those on the fence wondering, then perhaps the following will help. For many others it may, at best, reinforce the notion that the opposition in question is a small, but dangerous group of people (please note, these signs have all been taken from the Cult Education Institute):

The possible warning signs of a potentially unsafe group, movement, or leader.

1. Absolute authoritarianism without meaningful accountability.

Often charismatic, this chosen figure increasingly becomes an object of worship and admiration. To many, this person becomes the single most defining element of the group and its source of power and authority. For Arthur Chu, Chelsea Van Valkenburg, known the world over as Zoe Quinn, can be considered this leader. In an interview with Youtube personality David Pakman, Chu repeats Zoe’s name roughly a dozen times, focusing his attentions into an unhealthy obsession with her. In fact, after taking to Twitter shortly afterwards, Chu repeatedly attempted to defend Quinn from any form of criticism or comment to the point that Quinn herself begged him to stop.

2. No tolerance for questions or critical inquiry.

Questions or critical commentary are either met with contempt, condemnation, or absolute ridicule. Sometimes, in the case of Anita Sarkeesian, critical commentary is also shut down completely, or replaced with “leading” questions meant to create the illusion of open dialogue. And what commentary that HAS been utilized is used to reinforce the notion of the martyr complex, or as we know it as the victim-hood complex, meant to bolster support from the outside world for financial and social desirability. Who, one would think, would not want to help a poor woman being “harassed” from a large sect of people?

3. No meaningful financial disclosure regarding budget, expenses such as an independently audited financial statement.

Back in 2012, Kickstarter backers successfully funded a Portland, Oregon native going by the name of Devi Ever (current name: Grace Lynn) for her new project, CONSOLE: FX Platform, an open source platform that allows guitar pedals to interact with a cartridge standard to create nearly limitless tonal possibilities at a fraction of the cost of owning a lot of bulky stand-alone effect units. Originally, Devi sought $20,000 for the project, but by the end finished at nearly $41,000. However, shortly afterwards, Devi allegedly ran afoul the IRS, and was unable to fulfill backer commitments. After numerous attempts from various backers to get their money back, it was soon discovered that Grace had allegedly donated a large sum (if not all of) the kickstarter funds to Feminist Frequency owner Anita Sarkeesian. While Ms. Ever/Lynn would consider the anger directed towards her as harassment, the legal ramifications is known as something else entirely: Consumer Fraud.

There is a silver lining to this story however. Shortly afterwards, Lynn sold the company to DwarfCraft Devices, who are currently in the process of manufacturing and delivering the previously unreleased platforms.

4. Unreasonable fear about the outside world, such as impending catastrophe, evil conspiracies and persecutions.

Despite being social on the internet, most of the group are taught, or believe, that the outside world is to be feared. The dangers of bodily harm, or even psychological trauma, are everywhere. The ideas of death, rape, or worse, are always prevalent in their world, no matter what precautions they take. If they have specific group or target to point their fears to, then everything that is said or implied about them are attributed to this specific target or group. Even threats made to them from outside, independent bodies are somehow magically altered to fit that narrative.

In some cases, it’s even invented. Game developer Brianna Wu, for example, cited safety concerns for her and her team at the 2015 PAX East Expo scheduled for March 6-8. She alleged that #GamerGate members were threatening to release sarin gas at the expo, and would be shutting down her booth at the event.

What became apparent, however, was that the Sarin gas comment in question was made by an Anti-GamerGate member, and the twitter comment in question had been doctored and altered to point the blame at Gater supporters.

5. There is no legitimate reason to leave, former followers are always wrong in leaving, negative or even evil.

Speaking of Brianna Wu, the woman has come under fire recently for attempting to call a truce between her and #GamerGate supporter (and long-standing indie developer) Brad Wardell, CEO of Stardock Corp. The ensuing backlash from the anti-gamer community was loud and boisterous, with some withdrawing support from her Patreon page, one that roughly delivers over three thousand dollars a month to her personal bank account.

To many, Brianna must now be shunned, because they believe that they have honestly been personally deceived by her or that she is now part of the group attempting to destroy them.

6. Former members often relate the same stories of abuse and reflect a similar pattern of grievances.

While many supporters have yet to do so, those that have attempted to remain neutral on certain matters have experienced harassment all their own, one for not towing the narrative line, or for allowing the opposition to voice their concerns on a fairly neutral platform. David Pakman himself has come under fire repeatedly for doing so, despite having no allegiance for or against the #GamerGate revolt. While this may follow more closely to point 5, it at least sheds light into the mindset and group think of the #GamerGate opposition; this narrow-mindedness that disallows critical thinking, punishing or shunning those that fail to properly espouse the “virtues” of their movement.

7. A dramatic loss of spontaneity and sense of humor.

Everything about the movement is deemed important, no matter how incredulous their statements, or even their viewpoints. There is no levity of spirit or moment of comedic thought. It is a lifeless, devoid-of-emotion lifestyle. A sort of ends-justify-the-means. Members of the movement may be asked to do things that are obviously wrong, but will be told that they are necessary to bring about a greater good. Any emotion attached to this is detrimental to the overall message they are trying to impart.

8. Dependency upon the group/leader for problem solving, solutions, and definitions without meaningful reflective thought. A seeming inability to think independently or analyze situations without group/leader involvement.

This is where the Social Justice / Cult of Personality disorder comes shining brightest. Here, the SJW attempts to foster constant dependency on them by trying to cut people from other support systems (families, friends, etc.) and develop in them this constant environment of fear; they attempt to influence group behavior through blackmail or a collective pressure from the group that follows them, to the point that you are dependent on them for everything: safety, acceptance, support, and love. Deviation from their dependency leads to condemnation, ostracization, and eventual abandonment.

9. Anything the group/leader does can be justified no matter how harsh or harmful.

This was reportedly an actual quote from Antia Sarkeesian during her 2013 Gamescraft Conference hosted in Stockholm, Sweden. While many have called her out on this statement, many of her supporters question the authenticity of this quote, or simply prefer not to care. It should be noted that Sarkeesian herself has yet to refute the statement.

Other times, several members have made commentary denouncing public “doxxing” (releasing personal information in an attempt to shame or harass someone), while supporting others who openly do so against the supposed opposition. Long time gaming critic and TV personality Adam Sessler even openly supports the practice. During an SDC 2013 conference with co-host Jim Sterling, Sessler was quoted as saying “..And don’t even give me that First Amendment nonsense. You have every right to say it and I have every right to call you a fucking asshole and try to find your address and put it out there.”

10. New language, jargon, or loaded words are meant to convey a sense of intelligent thought over “lesser” individuals.

Many Social Justice Warriors consider themselves deeply intelligent people. “I think, therefore I am better than you.” They utilize a dichotomy meant to bolster their supposed superior intellect over a rational world in a way as to justify why they should be heard and followed. What it boils down to however, is a lot of nonsensical buzz words. “Heteronormative,” “Sexual Dimorphism,”Quiescent,” and so on and so forth, ad infinitum. The problem, however, is that many do not understand, or barely grasp the concepts of the words they utilize. Psychologically, however, this attitude is more attuned to the Superiority complex; a defensive mechanism meant to appear rational, intelligent and emotionally placid in order to conceal personal fears of inferiority. Any attempt to correct, or even question, their verbal superiority is considered a personal affront or an intolerable form of harassment.

The one positive aspect of the opposition, however, is that the more they attempt to extort, threaten, or even publicly humiliate those that stand up to them, the more that the world at large sees them for what they are; a small, but dangerous group of individuals. And those that follow them are a handful of dangerous, intolerant fanatics. The more they speak, however, the more that it is actually proving to be detrimental to their movement. More and more, the #GamerGate movement builds and bolsters support from people once thought to be on the fence wondering. If there is only one lesson to learn here however, for those still on the sidelines, or even a person standing in opposition to the reality of reality, repeat that one line of thought one more time to yourself.

“If you have to question whether or not your movement might be considered a cult, then chances are you’re probably in a cult.”