Emma Watson Speaks Out On Gender Equality, Threatened With Photo Leak In Viral Marketing Hoax
As per Lewis’ Law, the comments on any given article about feminism could justify the existence of feminism. Substitute “article” for “UN speech” and “comments” for “threats of leaked nude photos” and you get Emma Watson’s situation, since her most recent speech.
Watson’s speech included some thought-provoking (well, for some people anyway) quotes, like this one, which has been circulating the internet for the past few days.
"My recent research has shown me that feminism has become an unpopular word," said Watson. "I was appointed six months ago and the more I have spoken about feminism the more I have realized that fighting for women's rights has too often become synonymous with man-hating. If there is one thing I know for certain, it is that this has to stop."
More: Emma Watson On Religion, Noah And Sex Appeal
According to The Guardian, once the video of Watson’s speech made it online, it wasn’t long until the trolls reacted. The creation of a website, disturbingly named “Emma, you are next,”
featuring a countdown clock and the actress’ face, was originally blamed on a group of 4chan users.
The He For She campaign has garnered support from celebrities and the general public, with the number of pledges currently at 95,900
I consider myself a Feminist & I wanna know what #Feminism means to you. Watch+Contribute: http://t.co/IuNphYG8Nq pic.twitter.com/fLWkz81eMy
— Joseph Gordon-Levitt (@hitRECordJoe) September 22, 2014
Husband to a wife, father to a daughter, son to a mother. You bet I'm on board, @EmWatson! #heforshe pic.twitter.com/5SyIKIbCZo
— Simon Pegg (@simonpegg) September 23, 2014
My friend @EmWatson delivered a powerful speech to the UN http://t.co/yWtW3mjqBh I support equality. #HeForShe pic.twitter.com/gCNTK1BNvx
— Logan Lerman (@LoganLerman) September 23, 2014It turned out to be the brainchild of a Rantic, a viral marketing company. A visitor to the website is now greeted by a message directed at President Obama, condemning the recent string of hacks and calling for the shutdown of 4chan.
Paradoxically, Watson’s speech marked the launch of a UN campaign called He for She, aiming to mobilize 1 billion men and boys over the course of 12 months to support gender equality.
The campaign's web site, www.heforshe.org, includes a map showing the countries in which men have clicked to join the effort. By Tuesday, more than 90,000 men and boys had signed online pledges.