This past week, Twitter suspended Rose McGowan’s account for speaking out against Harvey Weinstein. A few days later, the social media platform marketed itself as a space for sexual assault survivors to come forward using the hashtag #MeToo. Though the site issued a delayed and arguably inappropriate response, many have defended the social platform as a nice guy who doesn’t really want to take sides.
Donovan Cotrell, a 28-year-old, verified Twitter user, defends the platform that’s given him over 28,000 followers.
“Twitter is a platform. I don’t think it’s the site’s job to side with anyone, even sexual assault survivors,” says Cotrell. “Twitter’s like the guy at the party who high-fives everyone, but doesn’t want to get into politics since tonight’s just about letting loose. What’s so bad about that?”
After backlash following the suspension of McGowan, Twitter came out with an official statement: “Twitter is proud to empower and support the voices on our platform, especially those that speak truth to power. We stand with the brave women and men who use Twitter to share their stories, and will work hard every day to improve our processes to protect those voices.”
This was quickly followed by a second statement that read: “If it was unclear, we’re just NICE GUYS, and we’re not trying to make anyone mad! We’re not expecting a big thank you, but we wouldn’t say no to one!”
Over the last 24 hours, ase #MeToo has been trended on Twitter, the platform has highlighted the voices to survivors. However, many women have remarked that the flood of posts have had a traumatic effect.
In a private interview with Twitter, the site was quick to anger: “Listen, WHAT DO YOU WANT? I’m a very good boy! And as a nice guy, I can’t take sides, okay? We all know the deal with rape, why do I need to SAY it? LEAVE ME ALONE!”
At the conclusion of this interview, Twitter knocked over a table and screamed, “WHY IS THIS MY BURDEN? WHY CAN’T YOU JUST LET ME BE A HERO??”
