Artistic Science

Another PSA

mlp-da-opinions:

There have been some recents events that really got me thinking. I’m not sure how many of our followers have been following the drama surrounding fan artist zamii070, but here’s an article that tries to explain the gist of what happened. Basically, fans (specifically SU and I think Homestuck) drove this artist to attempted suicide over nonstop harassment for how she drew certain characters. There were a ton of hate blogs about her and people just being bullies because she was “problematic” (I hate that word).

Then there was what happened with aurastarlights. I’m not too certain of the details on this one, but I believe she was harassed on multiple deviantart accounts, even being tracked down when she moved and tried to start over.

Now apparently Shaun is in the hospital from a suicide attempt due to hate generated against him as well as underlying mental issues. 

I’m sure there’s more cases. There always are. This mindless hate…it NEEDS to stop. Were any of these people perfect? Of course not. Did they say and do hurtful things? Yes, sometimes they did. But people can change. Sometimes people don’t even know that what they’re doing is wrong or offensive, and if they do and don’t care, that’s growing they need to do on their own. Ganging up on them is only going to elicit the opposite reaction or result in them giving in just to get the harassment to stop without actually learning anything. And honestly, if you can’t handle someone drawing Rose Quartz or Amethyst skinny, or drawing humanized Twilight as black/white/whatever race you disagree with, or anything of that nature, that’s something you have to deal with. It’s an artist’s interpretation: it’s not taking away the identity of the character in canon and it’s not invalidating your existence. Someone saying they don’t believe in X doesn’t invalidate your existence. I know you can’t control how you feel, but you can control the way you act. If you know that certain things online upset you, it’s your responsibility to safeguard yourself from it, not anyone else’s. And if someone really makes you uncomfortable, distance yourself from them. Keep in mind, though, people aren’t black and white.

I won’t speak for Twi, but as for me, claims against someone without proof, mindless hate, and circlejerking over a certain artist will not be posted. @fucknoipandacakes and @fucknotwiinyan, do Panda and Twii really warrant hate blogs? @fucknosoftfang, does even Softfang need one anymore?

I know I might sound hypocritical since I mod an opinions blog, but we’ve tried to make this more than just a place of hate. You might think I’m being mean or harsh, but I’m not saying any of this out of spite or anger or hate. I’m concerned and saddened. My Little Pony teaches us about love and friendship, and I think we as a community really need to start listening more.

- Mod Pinkie

(via mlp-da-opinions-deactivated2017)