With a lot of enthusiasm and elan we had started a lecture with students of the UE-Germany University to develop a crowdfunding campaign for eBlocker 3. However, discriminatory offenses were made during the lecture, which poisoned the whole course and made a continuation impossible. As a result, there will be no crowdfunding campaign as originally planned.
What happened?
To focus the campaign communication, we had presented the students with a target group analysis that the Technical University of Hamburg had conducted for eBlocker in 2018 based on empirical market research in different countries. The core group determined with statistical cluster analysis showed the best response among people with the following distribution: 20% female, 80% male, 40-60 years old, higher education level, upper income, minimal technical knowledge, etc.. We could precisely confirm this group among eBlocker buyers at startup times.
The question, to what extent this core target group has now changed due to the pivot from a commercial device to a free DIY software, led to an emotional “gender discussion”. Some of the mostly female students preferred to address “ALL” people instead of following the objective analysis and usual marketing strategies. A good discussion in principle, but one which is known to be less appropriate in the context of a strategic target group focus.
Discrimination instead of objective discussion
To objectify the discussion, we shared a current age and gender analysis from Facebook (see right), and a student abruptly attacked the speaker in the chat as an “old white man“. A statement that is not only disrespectful, out of place in a professional discussion and simply discriminatory in substance. Rather, in German feminist circles it also denotes the “conservative, powerful man who suppresses and is ultimately to blame for everything” – in short, the “White Supremacy.”
Politicizing a factual discussion for no reason and filling it with personal, discriminatory hate without taking back the verbal lapses is an intolerable situation for us. To date, some two weeks after the incident, neither the student, the students nor the university administration have commented or apologized for the behavior.
Attitude is more important
At eBlocker, we have always been committed to equality, fostering multiculturalism and not tolerating discrimination of any kind in our midst. A lecture course in which discrimination, disrespect and hate prevail unbidden is in no way compatible with our values. In light of this, we have dropped the course and resigned our support. We must resolutely oppose racism and discrimination – no matter against whom and from whom it emanates.
We regret this development very much, but find it more important to show attitude than to simply ignore this terrible incident. As a consequence, there will be no crowdfunding campaign for eBlocker 3 in the short term. We are planning a new approach in the future – possibly with another university.
Sad ending
eBlocker co-founder Christian Bennefeld: “I am personally very touched, insanely sad and unbelievably disappointed how single deluded extremists affect an entire course and also the future of eBlocker. Pulling the ripcord in consequence was unfortunately the only option here. Discriminating ideologies, racism and hate do not belong in our society and we cannot tolerate it – even if it makes our own future more difficult. Thank you for your understanding and solidarity!”
Due to the cancellation of the crowdfunding campaign we are now even more dependent on support from the community to continue eBlocker. We would be very happy about your solidarity and your contribution. Thank you very much!