This Is A Smear Campaign: Open Your Eyes
Many of you have most likely seen this post (x) detailing how to spot a smear campaign. But, recognizing the signs is difficult for many who are already entrenched. With OP’s permission (x), we’ve gone through the 7 major steps of a smear campaign and documented how this situation is a smear campaign designed to unjustly hurt a victim.
How to spot a smear campaign
Victim’s “crimes” (x)(x) are enlarged: even small missteps are treated as if only the worst person on the planet would do such a thing
Accusations against the victim are a reach, aka, victim did ‘this little thing’ but it actually means they’re a misogynist/pedophile/Tr*mp supporter/homophobe (x), even when the victim’s actions never conformed to those crimes (x)(x)
Victim’s actions are misinterpreted (x) in the worst possible way: anything the victim has done was taken as an offense and intentions are read as hostile and manipulative, regardless of how clear they are (x)
Victim’s actions have been taken out of context (x); ie, victim said something cruel to someone (x), but they take out the context of the victim being abused, threatened, forced into defense mode (x) and finally attacking out of desperation (x) to defend themselves (x) and get free
Victim commonly gets provoked into giving a bad reaction (x), (anyone gets defensive if they’re accused of the crimes (x)(x) they never did, or simply triggering insults until they snap), and the reaction has always been the new ‘proof’ that the victim is in fact, evil and guilty
A lot of pressure has been put on fans to react ‘correctly’ to the smear campaign; if fans don’t accept to demonize the victim at once, fans get scrutinized, shamed for their lack of morality, told that they support all these horrid things and that they are just as despicable (x)(x)
Trends of people have banded together based on their demonization (x)(x)(x) of the victim; they’ve set a standard where you’re accepted and welcome if only you also will demonize and hate the victim, and if you don’t, you’re blocked, cast out, and accused of causing harm
Over 20 sources from this week alone depict how Tommy and Tubbo are heading a smear campaign against Dream.
This is most likely not intentional. The initial smear campaign is suspected to have started in 2021 by an alt-right chat room (x). But, their actions are negligent and hurtful to an undeserving person. Their disregard for the consequences of their actions have led to threats against Dream and Dream fans and family.
This is not okay.
So, how do you prevent it from happening again?
Do not fall for smear campaigns.
If a large number of people agree that a person is the worst, but their story is exaggerated, out of context, sounds fictional, and doesn’t show any proof, and the people switch from being enraged to eager, doubt it. Participating in a smear campaign will help the abusers isolate and abuse someone, and you do not want to be a part of it. They will also smear anyone who stands up to their abuse, so you’re helping the abusers to create a place where pointing out abuse gets you cast out of the community
In the case of Dream, refrain from making false posts about Dream. Even jokes, like those made by Harry, Aimsey, and Tommy, have led to child endangerment. Call out creators for their misbehavior: educate them on why a joke is in ill-tase. And, if they don’t respond, boycott their content. There are lovely creators who are making great series you can watch right now (like Hermitcraft, Empires SMP, etc). Make your voice heard by taking away their voice.
In Tommy’s video, he said he can admit when he “[fucks] up.” If that is true, he should apologize for, whether intentionally or unintentionally, engaging in a tactical scheme to hurt a person. The same goes for Tubbo and his fans. Recognize the actions you’ve caused. Realize what your words do. Apologize, and move on.
We thank you all for educating yourselves: have a good night :)
