For those of you who would argue that sexism and misogyny are non-existent issues on the UNH campus, I would kindly ask you to scroll through the popular social media app Yik Yak. Yik Yak uses your current location to load your news feed with anonymous posts from others in your area. While it can be a source of amusement and entertainment, it can also be used to express bigotry and hate with zero consequences for the author. The purpose of this article is not to pass judgment on Yik Yak, rather to highlight the overt and covert sexism it displays. Here are a few examples of derogatory posts that objectify and dehumanize women on our campus.
These are just a few of many authors that degrade women in the hopes that others will agree and “up” their post. Yik Yak’s anonymity allows for people to express their sexist and misogynistic views while facing little to no consequences in doing so. The frequency of these posts is alarming, and should be a red flag for both men and women on this campus. For every individual who posts these disgusting messages, I know there is another who is kind and compassionate with the utmost respect for women. Please help to discourage this kind of talk amongst your friends. We need to nurture a culture that has no tolerance for sexism in order to achieve gender equality.
For those of you who would argue that these posts are just an example of internet “trolling” which is essentially posting offensive things for shock value, I would ask you to find any other controversial subject that is posted about more. Trolling cannot account for these posts alone, there is clearly a culture on this campus that takes these sexist comments lightly, as if they do not have real consequences for women. According to the Clery Act Statistics, in 2013 there were 15 reported forcible sex offenses on the UNH campus, 10 reported forcible sex offenses in residential facilities, and 8 reported forcible sex offenses on non-campus property. Keep in mind these statistics cannot reflect the total number of sexual assaults committed on campus, as rape is an underreported crime. I am not saying that those who post sexist things on Yik Yak are all rapists, but it does not help to create a safe environment where women feel respected. It is one thing to make light of a situation that has no consequences for other human beings, but another to joke about a reality that affects 25% of women such as sexual assault. Please be mindful and respectful going forward not just on Yik Yak but also in your everyday life. Thank you for reading!