Gender Activism in the Russian Segment of the Internet

Abstract

This paper is devoted to the gender activism in the Russian segment of the Internet. The cases discussed in this work are the Internet flashmobs #Янебоюсьсказать (#Iamnotafraidtosay) and #Этонеповодубить (#Thisisnotanexcusetokill). The main idea behind these flashmobs is to protest against sexual violence and the blaming of the victims. Such flashmobs cause public discussions on gender inequality and power relations. As such, they become an important part of the socio-political discourse. The actions by the flashmob participants and the reaction of Internet users show how gender problems can be perceived in the context of public and private spheres. The positive approach to the disclosure of one’s intimate life considers this practice as a form of therapy or a social act aimed at transforming the gender order. The negative approach to this practice is built on the stigmatisation of such disclosure. The cause of stigmatisation can be traditional notions of behavioural norms in the public space, as well as vilified stereotypes about female activism.