There's probably heaps of grammar mistakes and typos.

 

I took the time to read your article "30 Days of Sexism". I think it was a pretty interesting project, one that made me think about sexism. But I can't help but feel that you've misunderstood much of the nature of the comments... mostly the why, in the sense that why they were left. Please understand that I'm not trying to undermine you, insult you, or do anything otherwise nasty. I just want to explain exactly what I thought of your article and why I think that.

 

 

I should probably say a little bit more about myself. My knowledge on this subject isn't exactly unfounded: I've had a LOT of experience on the internet. I've played nearly every sort of online game MMO's. RTS's, FPS's. I've played these at nearly all levels, ranging from beginner to sponsored international esports teams. I've played online, with mates at my house, and at LAN parties. I also frequent reddit, youtube, and other online forums. It's safe to say that I've seen the best and the worst of other people online. I've given witness to endless counts of harassment.

 

 

The main point that I want to iterate here is that quite frankly, you're mistaking general hate, shock and slander present on the internet for sexism. And it's an easy mistake to make, considering the specific nature of some of the comments left. Yes, they are terrible. I wouldn't condone anybody saying things like that to anyone else, for any reason.

 

 

There's two main reasons as to why people will say things like that to you. A: because you're on the internet. B: because you're different. I'm going to explain how each of these apply to you and have all helped produce the results in your experiment.

 

A: Because you're on the internet.

 

The essential anonymity of the internet gives rise to people as a whole being much harsher than they would really be. Only a small percentage of people would ever make cruel comments like that to your face. It sounds like the kind of thing you'd hear if you walked through a prison filled with the scum of society.

 

But the kind of people who leave those comments aren't exactly the scum of society. Most of them  are males between 12 and 20 who think they are funny. In real life, most of them probably treat women just fine. The only reason they would say horrible things like that is because of the anonymity of the internet. Yes, people are cowards. Yes, people are jackasses. No, anonymity is not an excuse for being a jackass.

 

 

However, the same goes for slanderous things said about race, religion, political views, hair colour, sexual habits, basically anything. The same male 12 – 20 year old just posted this on a jewish boy's video:

 

"Jews are so greedy. Thats why they have such big noses. Air is free!"

 

Yep, a racist joke. I don't have to explain to you that any difference between human beings is a target for hate. Segregation in america. Christians in ancient rome. The "ginger kid" at your high school. And this is where we arrive at our second point: The fact that you are different makes you a target.

 

 

B: Because you are different.

 

How are you different? Well, you're a woman. I don't know the exact stats, but I can safely say that in your world, the world of videogames, that makes you a minority. And therefore, a target. And of course, the comments are always tailored to what's different. If you have boobs, you'll get comments about them. Considering that men are (mostly) sexually attracted to women, it means you'll get a LOT of comments about them. I haven't looked up a photo of you, but I'm willing to bet that you aren't overweight, or hideously ugly. Why? Because there aren't any comments about those things. If you were, they'd let you have it for those reasons too. You dyed your hair purple and got abuse for it. Why? Because it's different from the norm. You're getting those comments because you're different. Is it right? No. But that's how the world has worked for centuries.

 

 

Another reason as to why you're copping this kind of abuse is basically because you're out there, creating something. Something that can be scrutinised. Like me, scrutinising your article. If you never made it, I would never be scrutinising it! I think in your case though, this isn't such an issue, as comments relating to this like: "your channel sucks" can't be mistaken for sexism. However, it's still a factor.

 

 

I think you also need to realise that a lot of the youtube comments left there are really bad attempts to try and be funny. Remember that a lot of comments are left as attempts to be witty, in order to gain the coveted "top comment" spot on videos. In fact, the first 8 youtube comments are basically prime examples of this. 12 – 20 year olds trying to be witty in order to get top rated comments.

 

 

The JackArtStudios comment is completely different though. Surely that is immediately obvious to you. And yes, you should be proud of the fact that you aren't purposely sexualising yourself on the internet for views. But you should really look at the comment for what it is. He's not trying to thank you for wearing an uncomfortable shirt. He's thanking you for not cheapening yourself through sexualization, and actually delivering some quality content.

 

And have you seen most of the other popular female youtubers? They all play up the fact they are girls, and that they have boobs. Jenna Marbles shows an alluring picture of herself as an intro to all her videos. Look at this article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/18/the-top-7-women-on-youtube-female-stars_n_1528314.html#slide=995513  Notice anything? They're all beautiful. Not coincidence. I'm sure that they all have great content as well, but if you think their looks don't affect their views (and that they don't know that), you're kidding yourself.

 

And saying that "There is no logical reason to assume that any woman has changed her apparel to appeal to you" is ridiculous. So if a guy is on a date with a girl who has a crush on him, and she wears a low-cut top, a revealing skirt and high heels, he's to assume that she just wants to be comfortable? The very logical reason comes from the fact that guys like boobs! Sex sells!

 

 

You have some seemingly passionate fans, too! There's nothing sexist about saying MARRY ME! Because there's no sexist intent behind that statement. I'm sure Justin bieber has had it screamed to him millions of times by his girl fans. But those comments are harmless. Why? Because there's no sexist intent there. You aren't any different. It's intended as an exaggeration by somebody who is probably a big fan of yours.

 

The making babies comment is a little more creepy, but the same principle applies as with the 1st comment. No sexist intent. Intended as an exaggeration for "I really like your merchandise". I'm sure thousands of girls have asked Justin bieber to impregnate them. But he dosen't get all offended. Why? They aren't being sexist. They just want the Biebs to know that they love him. A lot.

 

 

To sum all of this up, I just wanted to point out that some of what you wrote is oversensitivity and probably confirmation bias. I mean you can take basically anything to mean anything these days. And I wanted to explain that the world isn't out to get you. Well, it is. But it's out to get everyone. As somebody who has made their home in a part of the online world dominated by males, its understandable that you would feel particularly singled out. Yes, it absolutely sucks, but it will probably only stop on a large scale, and not just towards women on the internet.