Letters for November 20, 2014

Cyclists unsafe, drunk?

Re “Where the sidewalk ends” by Nick Miller (SN&R Arts&Culture, November 6):

I have read your articles about the bicycle issues in Sac, but there is no mention of the need to raise the bar on bicycle safety. The number of bikers in Midtown who use no helmets, no lights, and ride like they own the road is of real concern. In the dark, no lights, on their phones—it is a real problem, and often it is riders who have been out partying.

As a motorist, it is often a surprise to find a biker who is well-lit and often it is the case that you do not see the bike or the rider until you are too close for safety. I think SN&R should add this subject to their stories about bicycling in Sac and hopefully there can be some enforcement to require riders to get their safety levels to a point that all of us on the road are able to see them.

Sobriety testing for bikers, too? This is a suggestion that dovetails with the other bicycle issues that are being discussed. Bikers need to pay attention and drive their vehicle with the same responsibility that motor vehicles have to consider and honor.

Peter Gannett

Sacramento

Deflecting baby talk

Re “Fertile discussion” by Becca Costello (SN&R Essay, November 13):

Thank you for your thoughtful essay. My daughter has tried to prepare herself with stock replies, neither cruel nor insulting … just deflecting. Nothing seems to work perfectly.

Evan Jones

via email

Get #GamerGate right

Re “GamerGate’s violence stains all” by Anthony Siino (SN&R Essay, November 6):

I’ve been a supporter of #GamerGate since it began in late August, and one of the things most frustrating about coverage of it is the all-too-common inaccuracies in the origins and some events in the (admittedly confusing) movement. While Siino’s coverage is more accurate and balanced than most mainstream coverage, there are some inaccuracies.

For example, the “jilted ex” who is said to have triggered #GamerGate with his blog post was not and is not a jilted ex. This term suggests he was dumped, and the blog post was a form of revenge. The fact is, he ended the relationship and posted the blog as a warning to the communities she was an influential voice in, and the industry she held similar influence in. He wanted them to know she was not living up to the social-justice standards she espoused.

In addition, the claim that the abuse suffered by #GamerGate people by those against the movement is somehow less severe than the reverse is also inaccurate. #GamerGate chronicles its abuse on a simple-to-navigate website: gamergateharassment.tumblr.com.

As a feminist, PoC and gamer, I find the discussion of sexism, representation and ethical journalism in the gaming industry very important. In addition, I understand that inexcusable things have been done in the name of #GamerGate, and I’ve been one of many people who call those things out when they happen. However, I do not believe that an inaccurate representation of a complex movement helps move important discussions forward. Especially considering I spent this letter correcting your reporting rather than discussing those issues.

Lee Williams

Sacramento