Anita Sarkeesian Talks Gamergate On ‘Colbert,’ Stirs Up More Outrage

Anita Sarkeesian appeared on The Colbert Report last night to talk about Gamergate.

Sarkeesian, author of Feminist Frequency, explained how Gamergate is being framed as a discussion about ethics in journalism but that it’s really just an attack on women.

Sarkeesian said: “Women are perceived as threatening because we are asking games to be more inclusive. We’re asking for games to acknowledge that we exist and that we love games … They’re lashing out because we’re challenging the status quo of gaming as a male-dominated space.”

Colbert played the part of angry fanboy for most of the sketch, but in the end he conceded and asked Sarkeesian if he could be a feminist. That didn’t please some people on the internet. The 8Chan message board quickly filled up with threats against Sarkeesian while others criticized Colbert for taking her side.

Man, fuck Colbert. He had Anita Sarkeesian on his show and didn’t threaten to rape or murder her even once. How much is Gawker paying you?!

— Michael Fearnow (@bogeymanweather) October 30, 2014

For the most part, however, Sarkeesian’s segment was well received.

Stephen Colbert just shook @femfreq‘s hand and agreed to be a feminist, because of #GamerGate. I’m so happy I’m crying. — Clare Scariko (@ClareEriko) October 30, 2014

“Maybe the princess shouldn’t be a damsel and she could save herself.” God, I love you, @femfreq Whole heart.

— Chachi Boo!Binks (@ChachiBobinks) October 30, 2014

Check out Anita Sarkeesian’s segment on The Colbert Report.

https://youtu.be/IosGtGjUxvQ