Post by obiren13 on Jul 30, 2014 17:46:53 GMT -5
After the horrible crime that occured this weekend during SDCC, I felt the need to post. Because the victim in question is a minor, I will not post her name. (Regardless of other sites posting her name, I do not find it appropriate to name her, in accordance to the law)
Long story short, she left the con, she was brutally beaten and sexually assaulted, then left on the side of the road. The assailant has been apprehended, but it brings up some issues I wanted to address.
Whilst the anti-harassment policy for San Diego Comic Con was discussed and then addressed in the previous months, this incident shows this harassment/assault issue is bigger than the cons themselves.
The nerd, geek, professional, cosplayer, community, humanity whatever should still press ALL comic cons/local cons etc to continue to press for anti-harassment policy on the internet, through comic ads, role modeling proper behavior and politely calling pointing out fellow fans/friends on inappropriate comments and/or touch.
Unfortunately, once you leave the con, in some of the outfits some of the cosplayers are wearing, they're in a city, filled with people who, for lack of a better word, don't give two licks about anti-harassment policies. Some are of questionable mentality.
Now, I know, some of you will jump down my throat, about the fact that, "It doesn't matter what I'm wearing, I shouldn't be treated that way!" Right there with you sister! However, and I can only speak of my experience of being a NY'er, there are a lot of characters. Some of which, do not see someone dressed as Harley Quinn, but as something of questionable integrity. Therefore, through no fault of the cosplayer, they become a target.
So what to do?
What I am going to do is write to my convention organizers at NYCC, to ask politely and professionally, to advocate for visible signage of the anti-harassment policy including real and serious ramifications. In addition, to send out emails to con goers and place on the website, and in the convention programs on how to enjoy their overall visit to our fair city, in safety.
I.E.
Thank you for visiting NYCC!
As you leave the convention center, please
1) travel in groups
2) Keep an eye on your person and belongings.
3) Do not stop or talk to people you don't know, especially alone.
4) Do not get into an unmarked cab.
5) For your traveling comfort and safety, please change back into your everyday clothing.
6) If you are unsure of where you are going, ask the convention staff for directions/help.
For some of our younger goers, this could be there first experience on their own. I want to make sure that teens (or anyone for that matter) can still come to these events unharmed. Once they are off convention center property, they have to realize they are back to a very real environment.
We as a community, should be encouraging of a positive, fun and safe convention experience. I encourage other people to write their convention organizers to ask for similar policies.
I appreciate any suggestions the forum might have.
Thanks for reading.
Long story short, she left the con, she was brutally beaten and sexually assaulted, then left on the side of the road. The assailant has been apprehended, but it brings up some issues I wanted to address.
Whilst the anti-harassment policy for San Diego Comic Con was discussed and then addressed in the previous months, this incident shows this harassment/assault issue is bigger than the cons themselves.
The nerd, geek, professional, cosplayer, community, humanity whatever should still press ALL comic cons/local cons etc to continue to press for anti-harassment policy on the internet, through comic ads, role modeling proper behavior and politely calling pointing out fellow fans/friends on inappropriate comments and/or touch.
Unfortunately, once you leave the con, in some of the outfits some of the cosplayers are wearing, they're in a city, filled with people who, for lack of a better word, don't give two licks about anti-harassment policies. Some are of questionable mentality.
Now, I know, some of you will jump down my throat, about the fact that, "It doesn't matter what I'm wearing, I shouldn't be treated that way!" Right there with you sister! However, and I can only speak of my experience of being a NY'er, there are a lot of characters. Some of which, do not see someone dressed as Harley Quinn, but as something of questionable integrity. Therefore, through no fault of the cosplayer, they become a target.
So what to do?
What I am going to do is write to my convention organizers at NYCC, to ask politely and professionally, to advocate for visible signage of the anti-harassment policy including real and serious ramifications. In addition, to send out emails to con goers and place on the website, and in the convention programs on how to enjoy their overall visit to our fair city, in safety.
I.E.
Thank you for visiting NYCC!
As you leave the convention center, please
1) travel in groups
2) Keep an eye on your person and belongings.
3) Do not stop or talk to people you don't know, especially alone.
4) Do not get into an unmarked cab.
5) For your traveling comfort and safety, please change back into your everyday clothing.
6) If you are unsure of where you are going, ask the convention staff for directions/help.
For some of our younger goers, this could be there first experience on their own. I want to make sure that teens (or anyone for that matter) can still come to these events unharmed. Once they are off convention center property, they have to realize they are back to a very real environment.
We as a community, should be encouraging of a positive, fun and safe convention experience. I encourage other people to write their convention organizers to ask for similar policies.
I appreciate any suggestions the forum might have.
Thanks for reading.
