I only know about GG from a few stories that I read, (the more I learn the more it depresses me, and oh god, the comment sections...) but I know it's a more complex issue than is often reported. I read a mainstream news article that painted all GamerGate supporters as awkward single guys who feel threatened by female gamers and journalists, and that the only way they know how to react to the ever-increasing inclusiveness of the gaming community is through harrassment and threats of violence against these women. And that may be true for some GamerGaters, but I'd guess they are a very small minority--they are the ones getting all the attention. Stories like that really kind of piss me off because they're so superficial. Do some f-ing digging! Yes, obviously the people who are threatening Sarkeesian, Wu, etc., need to be talked about because what they are doing is very serious and flatout wrong, but to paint all GG supporters in the same light is ridiculous. I actually agree with some of the complaints GGers have brought to the table. I do think sites like Kotaku and Polygon, which I frequent, have become increasingly hostile toward people who don't see things the same way as their editors/writers, especially when it comes to the topic of the way female characters are portrayed in games and comics. This is where I feel directly affected, because as and artist and a fan of comic, anime, and pin-up art, I've always like to draw idealized characters and appreciate other highly skilled artists who do the same. The last thing I want is for someone to be uncomfortable looking at my art (unless the point of the work is to make people feel uncomfortable lol), and I've never really had any problems in that regard that I know of, but so often now I see people bashing an artist or game character because the character is a sexy female, and anyone who doesn't join in or thinks differently must not know how to treat women with dignity or respect, which is ridiculous. I agree that women do need better representation in games and comics--I was looking at a Previews catalog of upcoming comics, and even I was a little embarrassed by all the T&A. I don't know how discussions about these topics turn into death/rape threats, but I'd be worried about myself if I actually could make the connection.
