SXSW cancels panels on overcoming harassment in games

[ollieglass]

http://www.sxsw.com/news/2015/sxsw-statement-hugh-forrest

[felipeerias]

Sad and disappointing that online harassers can now set the agenda of a major conference and censor those topics that they don't approve of. This will only encourage more threats and harassment.

[ReadingInBed]

If someone is threatening violence to suppress speech it is even more important that speech be heard. Huge failure on sxsw part.

[msie]

A part of me thinks they shouldn't have cancelled the panels and get extra security because I want to challenge these idiots. They are terrorists.

[neuromancer85]

It's so sad... We all lose today, while the violents and the machists just got their legitimation...

[PhilWright]

Lets talk about how to deal with harassment and bulling. Oh, hang on, the bullies are harassing us. So we will just give up and do what they want. Gutless idiots. Shame on you.

[harry8]

I missed the part where he said it was reported to the police. He did do that right?

[jpmoral]

>However, preserving the sanctity of the big tent at SXSW Interactive necessitates that we keep the dialogue civil and respectful. If people can not agree, disagree and embrace new ways of thinking in a safe and secure place that is free of online and offline harassment, then this marketplace of ideas is inevitably compromised.

I don't get it. They cancelled events about overcoming harassment because of the threat of harassment?