I’ve been subject to some criticism on the basis that, for the time being at least, I choose not to post under my real name. Apparently it follows that I must therefore be creepy and/or a loser and/or a troll and/or that I feel guilty about what I write … and so on, and so forth.
So how about I deal with the issue right here and now?
The primary reason I post anonymously lies with the number of crazies and self-righteous SJW, both on the internet and in real life. Feminists, in particular, often demonstrate a remarkable proclivity to engage in ad hominem attacks rather than engage with real issues. But they do more than that.
Most of those who write online from an MRA and/or anti-feminist perspective have been subject to doxing, online stalking and abuse. The shocking treatment to which Jasmin Newman was subjected to over a long period of time, is a case in point. See an investigation into the online stalking and harassment of Jasmin Newman (June 2016), with more about Jasmin’s situation in this article, and more about one person who allegedly harassed her here.
Here is another example involving a prominent MRA who used the online name ‘Janet Bloomfield’.
Additionally, some time ago I had a long-running problem with a stalker, and I wouldn’t wish that experience on my worst enemy. And now that I am married, there is no way in the world that I would expose my family to the threat of being subjected to such behaviour.
A further reason lies with the disturbing trend of denying people a voice on the basis of their gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, etc. Oh, so you are not a women? Then you can’t possibly have anything valid to say about issues affecting women, so STFU! (+ further example). This is very wrong. Everyone has the right to express their opinion and to engage in public debate, ideally in the absence of attempts to censor or shame them into silence.
Sure, many times people will subsequently demonstrate that they have absolutely no idea what they are talking about. On the other hand, valuable insights sometimes emerge from those looking in from the outside offering us a fresh and/or uninvested perspective.
I would invite readers to engage with the issues I am writing about, rather than focussing on the sort of person I am, or that they think I must be.
If you feel that this doesn’t amount to a valid reason to post anonymously, then tough luck!
Rant and rave. Cry me a river. Whatever