antis-delete-your-blogs-please:

who-gives-a-ship:

I’d like to believe that if I ever saw anti harassment at a convention or other physical fandom space, I’d speak up for the person being harassed. If I ever saw an artist being given a hard time for their shipping pictures or cosplayers being photobombed for shoots with the ‘wrong’ characters or anything else, I want to think that I’d intervene. I’m not sure I actually would since I’m about the most socially awkward person you’ve ever met (although presenting as male has helped a ton with that), but I hope I can find the confidence to do something if I ever do find myself in that situation. And I hope everybody else can do the same. Let’s all agree to help each other in physical fandom spaces as well as online.

If you see someone being harassed by an anti (or anyone else for that matter), a little support can go a long way. Let the harasser know that their behavior is not socially acceptable. A good way to do this is to point out how ridiculous and unreasonable they’re being. Look at them like you can’t believe what is happening and be like “Really? You’re doing this? You’re bugging people for something as trivial as ships?” Don’t even bring up whether or not the ship is problematic, just make it clear that their behavior is completely inappropriate and will not be tolerated. Then compliment the harassed person and try your best to have a normal interaction with them. Start talking about the series involved or how much you love their cosplay. If they’re an artist with a booth, consider buying something even if it’s only a small item. Show the harasser what a normal fandom interaction looks like. A lot of antis just don’t understand how completely unacceptable their actions are, often because they’re too young or inexperienced. If you can model good behavior and be seen receiving positive reinforcement from other fans for interacting correctly, maybe you can help them learn how they should act.

It takes a lot of courage to stand up for people in real life. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying this is easy, but it can do a lot of good for everybody involved. Please speak up if you see harassment in physical fandom spaces. I’ll be trying my best to do the same.

I’m an incredibly shy, nervous, and hesitant person, but you bet your ass if I see one (1) anti harassing someone I am waltzing in with all the subtlety of a hurricane and defusing the situation. I’m talking Shawn Spencer in Psych levels of subtlety.