Macho World

Tags

BCM112, brogramming

 

Eons ago, places for online chat and discussion were created and known to the world of cyberspace as “chatrooms”.  This invention was revolutionary in forging new connections amongst members of the cyberspace, with various websites and chat rooms catering for many different types of individuals. However as the web continued to expand, a “macho” culture began to form amongst the cyber world, where men controlled the vast majority of decision making positions. One only needs to view the “10 most influential online personalities” to see just how slanted the power balance of the Internet is.

 

Evidently the culture of present day cyberspace has become known as a society of “brogrammers”.  This compound adjective is responsible for labeling the slander and verbal assaults on women, ranging from comments on YouTube videos, to more personal insults on Facebook pages and personal blogs. Men often receive as much hate and abuse whilst online, however it is the category of abuse that differentiates the genders.

 

It can be assumed from comments such as:

 

 

 

 

 

 

that women are sexualized and looked down upon across the internet, similarly to their sexual portrayal in advertising and film. Again we find ourselves looking towards the “macho” culture of the Internet.  But thoughts kept circulating through my mind as to why these blatant insults and criticisms are occurring.

 

Does it make the accused feel power, intelligent or Internet savvy?

 

Yes, it does. However, the accuser is only able to gain these feelings of superiority through the anonymity that the Internet provides. The anonymous factor allows the individual to detach their identity from the situation and indulge in anti-social behaviour towards individuals or entire groups.

Dr. Michael Flood, a sociology professor at the University of Wollongong, often receives hate mail from various men’s groups regarding his work on gender equality.  However, he reports that he never receives sexually orientated threats due to the fact that he is of male gender.

 

If female ridicule is to cease, or at least decrease, the “Brogrammer” society must evolve from its primitive values and into a modern ecosystem of equality.

 

Peace.