Online Harassment and a Unique Response: A Dartmouth Professor’s Stand
In Hanover, New Hampshire, Sachi Schmidt-Hori, a professor at Dartmouth College, is facing a wave of online harassment after her involvement as a narrative consultant in the latest installment of the popular video game franchise, Assassin’s Creed. Although she had never played the game, Schmidt-Hori took a stand against the negativity by promoting kindness in her responses.
The game, launched in March, is set in 16th century Japan and features a Black African samurai, Yasuke, alongside a Japanese female assassin named Naoe. Many gamers criticized the inclusion of Yasuke as an example of excessive "wokeness," leading to a backlash that targeted Schmidt-Hori personally.
"The outpouring of anger was intense," she said. "I found myself alone with nobody defending me, so I decided to confront the hate with kindness. It’s hard to hate someone face-to-face."
The harsh criticism quickly escalated, with some attacking her scholarly work and even targeting her family. Despite the negativity, Schmidt-Hori chose to rise above it. She was inspired by civil rights leader John Lewis and decided to seek constructive dialogue.
Instead of avoiding the trolls, she began responding to their emails. She invited some of the most hostile critics to discuss their views over Zoom, asking them to consider how they would feel if such comments were directed at their loved ones.
While some critics remained unmoved, others reflected on their actions. One individual who had posted negative comments reached out with a heartfelt apology, acknowledging that he had targeted Schmidt-Hori for no valid reason.
Ubisoft, the game’s developer, declined to discuss the backlash but defended their creative choices, explaining that they strive for a balance between historical accuracy and artistic expression. They expressed appreciation for Schmidt-Hori’s professional expertise and her courageous approach to handling the harassment.
Experts note that many people retreat when faced with online harassment. However, Schmidt-Hori’s decision to engage her critics directly has been deemed a noteworthy counteraction to the often toxic nature of online interactions. As one professor pointed out, her approach forces people to see her as a real person, not just a faceless target.
In a world increasingly divided by differing views, Schmidt-Hori’s response highlights the power of compassion in the face of hostility.
