Geek Girl in the News looks at the awesome or not so awesome news that will make you go either: "YAY" or "OMG I can't believe that."
The latest and greatest geek girl news from June 2020 covers Rowling's publishing company employees not wanting to work with her, Mixer's racist culture and sudden demise, Twitch's history of not taking abuse reports seriously, the calls for a Twitch Blackout, Tina Fey call for 30 Rock's removal of blackface episodes, an FDA approved prescription video game, and TikTok Teens and K-Pop Stans living their best lives for all our futures.
June was some month! We recorded this episode a week early, so this isn't even a full account of June. But even at what it is, so much happened in June it's pretty overwhelming. Honestly, it's like two years worth of huge news and upheaval and movement and fighting was smooshed into a puny 30 days.
Phew.
First of all, we want to make it clear our stance. Trans women are women. Trans men are men. Love is love. Fuck hate. We've been absolutely disgusted by what's coming out of our former favourite author's mouth lately and under no circumstances can we in good conscious support her anymore. And we're not alone. Staff at her publishing agency, Hachette, have requested not to work with her on her latest children's book.
Streaming platforms Mixer and Twitch have made the news in June - and not for super great reasons at all.
Former employee of Mixer, Milly, has come forward with her story of racism at the Microsoft company. Wow - how is this okay? Let's just make it clear, okay? It's absolutely still possible to be racist if you hire one (yes one) Black employee. It's still possible to be racist if you have a Black friend/coworker/relative/etcetcetc.
But you know how Mixer actually dealt with this? Instead of owning up and addressing whatever issues on the inside, they've decided to pull the plug. Few partners knew the platform was closing before it did, many finding out on Twitter like the public. WOW.
Let's not stop there. June was the month that many women and some men came forward with their stories of sexual abuse and harassment from (predominantly) male streamers, affiliates, and partners. And despite similar experiences being reported to Twitch over the years - nothing was done.
Not anymore. The Twitch #MeToo era is here and it's not quiet. Blackouts were held, people resigned, some were banned, some permanently. Change is happening and let's believe that a more positive and inclusive Twitch is on the way.
On a better note, Tina Fey, one of Amanda's heroes and producer of 30 Rock, has requested the removal of 4 (yes FOUR) episodes of the show that feature blackface. First of all - what? Second of all - FOUR EPISODES WITH BLACKFACE WHAT. Third of all - at least they're gone!
We're finishing this episode with two good news stories:
The FDA approved a perscription video game to help treat kids with ADHD! This is a remarkable development in healthcare and we can't wait to see how this impacts the future of the industry!
Last but not least... we STAN TikTok teens and K-Pop Stans. Honestly, these teens are THE FUTURE we all want and need. From overwhelming racist and hate-filled hashtags on Twitter to literally claiming most of the tickets to Trump rallies... we can't even explain our love and appreciation for this generation. Thank you for doing the good work!
What’s your take on these news articles?
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In this episode of Geek Girl in the News, we covered these news stories:
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Amanda & Monika
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