Comments on: “Hit the Bitch”?

By: hexy

hexy — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:34:20 +0000

FYI: The site has now been locked down to Danish viewers only.

By: Helen

Helen — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:30:08 +0000

It’s disappointing to see such an anti-Domestic violence megafail so close to White Ribbon day.

By: Jemima Aslana

Jemima Aslana — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:00:29 +0000

Morningstar has found the only use for this horrendous game, I think. Show it to the SO (or other male friends and relations) and see if they’re someone you really want to spend your time with. And I’ll just have to brag a little. My boo came home and had read about the game in the paper. He asked me if I’d heard of it, and when I replied in the affirmative, said something about it being probably the worst idea since forever. Made me all happy that while he’s never really been exposed to feminist theory before he met me, he gets it anyway. I think there’s hope for humanity yet :)

Auguste, I’m not sure which part of the game you’re comparing to the Milgram-experiment? Is it the voice-over initially suggesting the violence? Or the voiceover eventually condemning violence?

Oh and if I hadn’t made it clear before – I truly do believe they had fine intentions with this one, but it does not in any way excuse their utter failure to be sensitive to those whose lives have already been impacted by violent abusers. It is still a complete fiasco on several levels.

By: Auguste

Auguste — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:55:56 +0000

Given Jemima Aslana’s point about the intent being noble and therefore assuming “good faith” on the part of the designers: So, have none of them ever heard of Stanley Milgram? Because 45 years ago, he basically proved that this idea would be the opposite of effective.

By: The Chemist

The Chemist — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:04:13 +0000

I just don’t understand what the fuck these people were thinking.

It’s so poorly conceived, and why didn’t one person in the project raise even a titter of objection? C’mon, I can’t believe between the person who conceived of it, the group that approved it, the web and flash designers who built it, the woman who starred in it, and the makeup artist, no one stopped and said, “Hey this might be a bad idea.”

I can imagine several people, mostly that I’ve known from high school since these days I avoid spending time around misogynists, who wouldn’t take it at all seriously. It doesn’t beg to be taken seriously. There’s something to be said for using sarcasm and irony to make people feel uncomfortable but this is so [he]artless.

@Shara (and with some relevance to Jennifer)

I’m actually a fan of what would be potentially triggering sick humor a lot of the time, the kind that many people here would disapprove of- but that’s because it’s intentionally warped. Your boyfriend just strikes me as clueless.

That he played it three times laughing all the way would be a huge enough red flag for me to simply avoid associating with him. Maybe if he saw some ironic humor in it, or expressed mere morbid curiosity I could understand, but playing repeatedly and getting a kick out of it is at the very least extremely juvenile.

I’d try to have a serious discussion and if it’s clear that he doesn’t “get it” then don’t waste any more time on him. Angel points for trying to bring him around, but that’s entirely optional and probably won’t work.

By: Eurosabra

Eurosabra — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:53:55 +0000

Two further thoughts:
[Trigger warning: if this is victim-blaming, edit or delete.]
1)As a simulation, it places the viewer within the context of a dysfunctional relationship in which he (“du”) has already made some very bad choices, particularly ones involving rape and verbal abuse, and confronts him with a situation in which the woman is a) reasonably defying him and b)possibly already stepping out on or of the relationship, through infidelity or preparing to leave. (“I had the best night”…["without you"] is implied.) Whether he gets hitty or not, things are already a probably un-salvageable mess, and I don’t think someone with a sense that masculinity needs to be controlling is going to see himself as having other options, especially when subjected to that opening monologue.

[Trigger warning: porn references.]

2)One item which has passed under the radar is the resemblance to male-oriented first-person games which function as seduction simulators, in a very porny way, like “Leisure Suit Larry”, or the Swedish disaster “Stockholm: A Love Story”, which is a rape/abuse simulator. I get that they’re trying to re-purpose a very nasty sub-genre in a cool, edgy way to send a positive message, but this is epic fail.

By: Calamity Jill

Calamity Jill — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:46:02 +0000

Is it sure the people playing the stupid thing are the idiots? I’d say the idiots, the biggest ones at least, are the ones behind that program, who sure as shit never had ending domestic violence in mind.

By: Morningstar

Morningstar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:06:46 +0000

Actually, I think everyone should be thanking this campaign. Going off what Shara & Jennifer said, this could be a really good test for women.

Give this to a guy, see how he reacts. If he thinks it’s fun or funny, pack your bags without further discussion.

Something’s not right with anyone who finds this entertaining.

By: beth

beth — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:57:11 +0000

seconding (thirding, fourthing, whatever) advice aimed at Jennifer and Shara. trivializing violence against women perpetuates violence against women. it reinforces cultural norms that excuse men and blame women for violence and assault. men (and women) who trivialize violence make our society less safe for victims and survivors, even if they would never physically assault someone themselves.

By: Faith from F.N.

Faith from F.N. — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:38:30 +0000

“So how to I reconcile the problem? Should I?”

Yes, you should. Preferably by dumping the boyfriend and never speaking to him again.