There are so many aspects of this story that are so repulsive, I had to turn off my emotions just to write about it.
An American author of 15 self-published books based on misogyny, Daryush Valizadeh (aka “Roosh V”) has reportedly organized anti-women meet-ups this Saturday in over 40 cities around the world. After writing about how to pick up women in the most despicable ways, Valizadeh also organized a racist, anti-LGBT, women-hating website called “Return of the Kings” that claims to have over a million members. Valizadeh wants to make rape legal. No, this is not satire. This is real. The National in Scotland cites Roosh V:
“I propose that we make the violent taking of a woman not punishable by law when done off public grounds.”
A spokesman for Police Scotland where one of the events is to take place said:
“Sex without consent is rape. There are no excuses. If someone is drunk or drugged they cannot give consent,” a spokesperson for Police Scotland told The National. “We must do all we can to prevent rape and sexual assaults amongst offering all the necessary support and protection to those who are victims.”
In Canada, a petition signed by 42,000 people is calling for Valizadeh to be banned under the country’s hate speech laws. Another petition was started and sent to Amazon’s CEO demanding they stop selling Valizadeh’s books.
Women are not allowed to attend Saturday’s events. To be recognized as a member of the misogynist organization, the code words are: “Do you know where I can find a pet shop?” Jill Thomsen, an Australian Greens Party candidate, berated Valizadeh and his followers, when she tweeted:
“The creeps from @ReturnOfKings are meeting in Sydney,” she wrote. “Their masculinity is so fragile they will use ‘codewords’ to find each other in public.”
It’s doubtful the majority of these misogynist members will show up. Weenies like this are usually big talkers. Either way, the messages are dangerous when in this country rape/sexual assault is still rampant and an average of four women are murdered every day by a husband, boyfriend and/or intimate partner. And it disgusts me to know Valizadeh is from America where extreme hate speech is allowed under the protection of “free speech.” It will be interesting to see if Anons get involved with this even, as many of “collective” Anonymous operations include targeting hate groups.
If you or someone you know is, or has ever been, a victim of rape/sexual assault, you can find free support via the National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800.656.HOPE (4673) and/or by visiting the Rape, Abuse Incest National Netowork/online.RAINN.org. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Via