Women all over the world are coming ahead and boycotting Twitter for a day after it suspended Rose McGowan’s account for speaking out against Harvey Weinstein and Ben Affleck. According to reports, Twitter found her language in the tweets offensive.
Twitter is supposed to be a medium of free speech and silencing a voice of reason that is giving others courage to come out and share their stories is not something people are taking lightly.
This is what Twitter had to say on the matter.
We have been in touch with Ms. McGowan’s team. We want to explain that her account was temporarily locked because one of her Tweets included a private phone number, which violates our Terms of Service. 1/3
— Twitter Safety (@TwitterSafety) October 12, 2017
Since, Twitter has resorted to the classic case of silencing a woman when she’s right, people have started a hashtag #WomenBoycottTwitter to protest against it. It’s trending even in India.
Please join @surekhapillai @PragyaTiwari starting now till 930 tomorrow. Love twitter but need better policies against harassment. pic.twitter.com/hlpS6OASmJ
— Aparna Jain (@Aparna) October 13, 2017
Join this in solidarity and protest . We demand better anti harassment policies from @twitter & a more democratic space #WomenBoycottTwitter pic.twitter.com/7tloGlX5Ij
— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) October 13, 2017
We’ve needed better harassment policy for years and @Twitter hasn’t done enough. Let’s see what happens if #WomenBoycottTwitter for a day 👋🏽 pic.twitter.com/wRAwvdMTdV
— Rega Jha (@RegaJha) October 13, 2017
Needed to be said!
I’m tired of being silenced, of being disregarded, of being told how to feel or think, of being made to feel inferior #WomenBoycottTwitter ✊ pic.twitter.com/KMKTJa4BFm
— Lady Nyx (@thenydster) October 13, 2017
I’m boycotting twitter tomorrow because women are consistently harassed by accounts who in turn face no consequences. #WomenBoycottTwitter
— Bindas Ladki (@bindasladki) October 13, 2017
Women are pointing out the irony behind the ban.
Every day, I’m called a whore, stripper, unemployed, a bot, & worse for opposing Trump & misogyny. I proudly stand with #WomenBoycottTwitter
— Angela Belcamino (@AngelaBelcamino) October 13, 2017
For women of all colours whose voices have been silenced. #WomenBoycottTwitter pic.twitter.com/tNqZ94jFq0
— Karima Ladhani (@karima1211) October 13, 2017
#WomenBoycottTwitter | see you tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/AMLhJn94Rl
— Karnika Kohli (@KarnikaKohli) October 13, 2017
Even Indian politicians are coming ahead in support.
In support of all those ladies who are boycotting @twitter for 24 hours for a better anti-harassment policy. I’ll be back tomorrow.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) October 13, 2017
Many other men have joined the fight.
Tomorrow I follow the Women. #WomenBoycottTwitter
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) October 13, 2017
Regardless of your gender identity, I hope you’ll join us in solidarity with @rosemcgowan! See you on Saturday!#WomenBoycottTwitter pic.twitter.com/rHjIsH6mj4
— Charles Clymer🏳️🌈 (@cmclymer) October 13, 2017
I’m with you sisters!
✊🏾❤️#WomenBoycottTwitter pic.twitter.com/Tz77tEU0Ru— Mohamed Salih (@MohamedMOSalih) October 13, 2017
I’m with her and her and her and her and her and her and her…#WomenBoycottTwitter
— Jeffrey Wright (@jfreewright) October 13, 2017
I’m not a fan of silence or absence as a strategy. That said, it’s worth a try. See you after midnight tomorrow. #WomenBoycottTwitter
— Mark Harris (@MarkHarrisNYC) October 13, 2017
The fight is against online abuse and to force Twitter to formulate better rules and regulations to prevent and punish trolls who issue threats to women.
Your thoughts?
