Emma Watson is one of the most likable actors in Hollywood today. Not only has she aged gracefully from precocious Hermione of Harry Potter fame, she has become an elegant woman with a sharp mind and a message to share. As the UN’s Goodwill Ambassador, Watson recently gave a speech on feminism, and how it’s as much of a men’s issue as it is a women’s issue.
Watson’s speech was to the point, relevant, and challenging. Unfortunately, not all responses have been positive. An anonymous user of the image-based online bulletin board 4chan has started a website with the title, “Emma You Are Next,” implying that hacked nude photos will be soon published on the site. This follows on the heels of a 4chan member who released hacked photos of celebrities, including Kate Upton and Jennifer Lawrence, earlier this month.
A recent Vox article correctly identifies this kind of threat as a threat against not just Watson, but a threat against women in general. It reinforces the kind of archaic idea that should women challenge the status quo, they will be punished. More than that, they will be reduced to what they’re perceived to be: objects.
“If there is one thing I know for certain,” Watson said during her speech, “it is that this has to stop.”
Photo (Flickr CC) by EyesOnFire8.
