I have a habit of going down a rabbit hole when it comes to surfing the web. 

I went from listening to the Sweeney Todd soundtrack, to Roman Polanski's rape trial and somehow ended up on Jezebel.com, a (feminist news and media website which highlights issues in new media). 

For once my link-clicking and recommended reading did not lead to YouTube's 'dark side'.  I found something awesome instead of having that realisation of 'How did I get here' when YouTube videos go from kosher to kinky in one click. 

But finding this site was a refreshing find on the web. The Internet is an increadibly unfriendly place for women - we are objectified, disrespected, ridiculed and told to show our 'tits or gtfo'. 

In fact, I experienced my own bit of misogynistic behaviour just this morning (excuse the language):

This kind of Internet troll slash sexist idiot is why I've been hesitant to go into vlogging - and why I've had to mentally prepare myself for the sexual harassment, insults and general disrespect which will follow. 

Jezebel

While Jezebel.com isn't necessarily feminist, it involves women taking the lead - out issues, our news, our perspectives and our posts. 

It's like an oasis of equality in a very hostile environment. The stories are thought-provoking, humorous and sometimes controversial. But for once it's not another damn list of the 10 hottest women in gaming/movies/comics/etc. 

As a female gamer and Internet geek, it's great to see this kind of thing. For once I don't have to constantly prove myself or worry about being deemed an 'attention whore'.

Of course, the site also has a 'Boy's Corner', but it's awesome to see interesting views from interesting women - written in a way which is accessible to those who don't know all the feminism jargon and theory.

Tropes vs Women

Of course there are other similar things out there, like the Tropes vs Women in video games project/study. Of course, its creator Anita Sarkeesian has received a mountain of harassment and threats for simply wanting to look at these tropes. 

Some male bloggers have spoken out in response to this reaction, telling men on the Internet that this sort of sexist culture is not okay. 

While I know it's a long way till sexism on the Web and in society is eradicated. it was a really refreshing experience to see the steps men and women have taken towards this.