8 Shocking Things That Are Totally “Normal” for Female Writers to Hear Online

As a woman in the world of writing and publishing, it can be difficult to navigate the often-toxic landscape of online interactions. From social media to writing forums, female writers are all too often on the receiving end of sexist, demeaning, and outright offensive comments. Unfortunately, many of these comments have become so commonplace that they are often brushed off as “normal” or “just how it is.” But the truth is, these comments are unacceptable and should not be tolerated. Here are eight shocking things that are all too common for female writers to hear online:

1. “You’re only successful because you’re a woman.” This statement implies that a woman’s success in writing is somehow less valid than a man’s, and that it is only due to affirmative action or tokenism. In reality, female writers work just as hard as their male counterparts and deserve to be recognized for their talents and accomplishments.
2. “You’re not a real writer because you don’t write [insert specific genre or type of work here].” This statement is often used to dismiss female writers who don’t conform to traditional gender roles or expectations. It is not only sexist, but it is also limiting and dismissive of the diverse array of voices and perspectives that female writers bring to the table.
3. “You’re not a real woman because you write/like [insert specific genre or type of work here].” This statement is often used to dismiss female writers who write about traditionally “masculine” or “unfeminine” subjects, or who identify as feminists or women’s rights activists. It is not only sexist, but it is also limiting and dismissive of the diverse array of voices and perspectives that female writers bring to the table.
4. “You should be grateful for any attention you get, even if it’s negative.” This statement is often used to silence female writers who speak out against sexism or harassment. It implies that women should be happy with whatever crumbs of attention they are given, even if it is negative or harmful.
5. “You’re not talented enough to make it as a writer.” This statement is often used to dismiss female writers who are just starting out or who have yet to achieve a certain level of success. It implies that women are inherently less talented than men and that they will never be able to make it as a writer.
6. “You’re too emotional/sensitive/feminine to be a good writer.” This statement is often used to dismiss female writers who write about emotions or personal experiences, or who are vocal about their feelings and opinions. It implies that women are inherently less rational or logical than men and that they are not capable of producing quality writing.
7. “You’re not a real feminist because you [insert something that the writer does that does not align with the critic’s idea of feminism].” This statement is often used to dismiss female writers who are vocal about their feminist beliefs and who do not align with a specific ideology or subset of feminism. It implies that there is only one “correct” way to be a feminist and that anyone who deviates from that is not a “real” feminist.
8. “You’re just looking for attention/trying to be provocative.” This statement is often used to dismiss female writers who speak out about sexism or harassment, or who write about controversial or taboo subjects. It implies that women are only seeking attention or trying to be provocative, rather than speaking out about important issues or sharing their unique perspectives.

It’s important to recognize that these statements are not only hurtful, but also harmful and limiting to the voices and perspectives of female writers. As a community, we need to actively work to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for female writers online. This means calling out and rejecting sexist, demeaning, and offensive comments when we see them, and uplifting and amplifying the voices and perspectives of female writers.

One way to do this is by actively seeking out and supporting female-identifying writers, whether through buying and reading their books, following them on social media, or sharing their work with others. We can also make a conscious effort to create and participate in online spaces that are safe and welcoming for female writers, such as feminist writing groups or online communities specifically for women in the industry.

Another way to support female writers is by amplifying their voices and speaking out against sexism and harassment when we see it. This can be as simple as calling out sexist comments on social media or in writing forums, or by reporting harassment or abuse when we see it. Additionally, we can also actively work to create a more inclusive and supportive environment within the writing and publishing industry by advocating for more diverse representation in books, magazines, and other forms of media.

It’s also important to remember that these issues are not limited to the online world, but also present in the offline world. The writing and publishing industry has a long history of undervaluing and underrepresenting female writers, and it’s important to actively work to change that.

Overall, it’s important to recognize that these comments and experiences are not normal and should not be tolerated. By actively working to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for female writers, we can help to ensure that their voices and perspectives are heard and valued.