HOT TAKE: Muff Wiggler’s time is over
So, if you’re a synthesizer person you probably already know that Mike McGrath, creator of the “Muff Wiggler” synthesizer forum has died. There has been an outpouring of support & tributes from its user-base, as well as from the synth world at large.
There is no doubt that Mike’s forum has been an integral part of the enormous growth of the modular synthesis scene in recent years, but it would seem that it was also an unending source of toxically masculine bullshit.
The forum seemingly has a largely male user-base, although it’s hard to tell the actual balance since many users choose not to “out” themselves as women or members of the LGBTQI+ community, and a quick scan through the boards there make it quickly clear why people were reluctant to associate themselves to any marginalised group, with rife misogyny, sexism, homophobia & transphobia.
“Muff Wiggler” Mike himself admitted on multiple occasions that he was aware of the problematic nature of the name he had chosen, although he was clearly quite smitten with it since he chose it first as his band name, then his blog’s name, then his username & finally also the name of the forum. Hmmm. I betcha think thought you were pretty funny, eh Mike?
Now, I’m not saying that Muff Wiggler himself was some sexist asshole, I did not know the man & can’t comment on that, however it did seem that he was someone who didn’t care that the community he created was teeming with toxic, sexist, abusive MEN. Of the multiple times this sort of stuff was brought up in conversation on the forum & elsewhere, Mike made it clear that he didn’t care - often giving responses along the lines of “the internet is a large place, if you don’t like it here then go somewhere else”.
So people, it seems we’ve reached a crossroads in what will be looked back upon as a part of the history of synthesizer culture online.
Muff Wiggler, the man, is dead. Perhaps it’s time for Muff Wiggler, the place, to die also. Whilst it has become a home to many, and a community hub for the users & makers of synthesizers the world over, it is also a cesspit, overrun with the kind of shithead guys who think that, in 2019, it’s clever to make innuendous attempts at jokes about “playing with a banana jack” when speaking about a prominent & talented transgender musician. NO! STOP IT!
At the very least, the moderation of the site needs a complete overhaul. Zero tolerance for abusive behaviour should be #1 on the list. Any synth manufacturer who hosts their support forum there should demand this.
IF YOU ARE NOT PART OF THE SOLUTION, YOU ARE PART OF THE PROBLEM.
Further reading:
Muff Wiggler - Sexism In Audio Cultures
MUFF WIGGLER Forum ->Â Is "Muff Wiggler" offensive?
