‘Pro-rape’ anti-feminist Roosh V humiliated

Fighting rape culture: ‘pro-rape’ anti-feminist Roosh V humiliated

Katie Sydney, Cardiff Socialist Students

Anti-sexism campaigners have humiliated “pro-rape” activist Roosh V.

Over 40 turned out in the rain in Cardiff on the night of 6 February to campaign against rape culture. Cardiff Socialist Students called the demonstration in response to a planned international meet-up day for followers of the anti-feminist Daryush “Roosh V” Valizadeh.

The self-styled “pick-up artist” and “neomasculinist” has written advocating for legalisation of rape on private property as “learning experiences for the poorly trained woman”. He now claims this was “satire”, but consistently blames victims rather than rapists, and normalises rape culture.

Roosh’s website also says women are intellectually inferior to men and should not be allowed to vote or make decisions for themselves. Another blog post states that displaying the potential to behave violently attracts women.

Misogynistic

The aim of the meet-ups was for Roosh V’s followers to spread their misogynistic ideas that endanger women.

After international outcry and planned opposition demos in many cities, Roosh V cancelled the meet-ups earlier in the week. Ironically, he was concerned for the safety of his followers.

Despite this, protesters occupied the space where they were planning to meet in Cardiff to ensure the group could not show up and spread its hateful ideas. Protestors carried placards proclaiming “no means no” and speakers denounced the group.

After a short while it became clear none of Roosh V’s followers were going to turn up, a victory for campaigners.

Huge cuts to domestic violence services and rape crisis centres are coinciding with a resurgence in misogynistic attacks, both from individuals like Roosh V and establishment politicians. Socialist Students fights for a society free from the oppression of women, and from the capitalist system which facilitates it.