During the last couple days, we’ve seen a lot of infighting in GamerGate. I’ve certainly had a hand in it myself. I’m a representative of the more hardline faction, so I feel it’s my duty to speak up and voice the opinions of that faction, from time to time. Plus, I’m kind of just a loud asshole, in case you haven’t noticed. So, it’s almost impossible for me to keep my mouth shut. It always has been.
I’ve fought the battles with moderates as much, or more, than any other “prominent” figure in GamerGate. But, I’m not here to talk about that. We will of course continue to have our disagreements, but that’s not what defines us. What defines GameGate to me, is the comradery, passion, and diversity among our participants. Yes, we fight like hell against each other. But that doesn’t change the fact that we’re still family.
I can honestly tell you that GamerGate is the best thing that has ever happened to me in my life, outside of meeting my amazing significant other. Two months ago, I was totally lost. I did not have a plan for how to go about living life. Yes, I had the lovely girlfriend, but I lacked purpose, and drive. GamerGate has given me both, and I will be forever indebted to it for that. I don’t know where I would be without this, and without all of you.
My life has been altered in ways I never thought would actually happen. People read what I write now. I have real fans. I have real haters. Trolls put out my public information. I’m on Encyclopedia Dramatica (my mother is so proud) . I’ve been in public Twitter showdowns with Zoe Quinn, Ben Kuchera, Arthur Chu, Max Read, and several other SJW blowhards. It’s insane, when i sit and think about it. I was doing nothing of note before all this. Now, people care about what I have to say. This isn’t what I’m used to, and sometimes, that shows. Whereas other people are more experienced at handling this sort of thing, the voices in GamerGate are new. This is a new experience for all of us.
I know that all of you have as much love for this journey as I do. I’ve seen it firsthand. Even the people I’ve had problems with, love this family. No, we aren’t perfect. Yes, we make mistakes. Sometimes, some of our rowdier members (me included) get out of hand. But we all unite when the time comes. We have risen to the occasion countless times before. I know in my heart that we will do so again.
I love the phenomenon known as GamerGate for all it has given me. The people that I have shared this with will be bonded together forever. We’ll be talking about this decades from now, no matter what happens. Taking part in something bigger than yourself is something that can be very challenging. It’s scary. People have different ideas about how to proceed, especially in a coalition this diverse. But we must always keep in mind the shared aspects of our journey. Yes, our family has fights, and sometimes they are quite nasty.
But families stick together, no matter what.
