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How-to guides on "picking-up" women in Australian cities have emerged from an online forum for self-identified “pick-up artists”.
The online forum is one of many so-called “datasheet” which provide guides on where and how to "target" women in cities around the world. The Feed has seen datasheets on Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth.
On the datasheet labelled “Melbourne CBD Datasheet 2017,” women are routinely referred to as “targets,” with specific instructions on where to find “solo” women. The author gives a rating on the “average quality” of women in different locations.
“My opinion is that Woolworths Melbourne Central (Metro) and the Professors Walk Cafe at the University of Melbourne (during University Semesters) are the best daygame venues in the Melbourne CBD. This is because of the consistent high turnover rate (and hence quantity) of solo girls 5/10 and above, and the logistical setup making it very easy/natural to open/approach girls.”
“The logistical setup is perfect. Sit next to the area where customers wait for drinks (there are two seated areas that fit this criteria). Open targets that stand close to you while waiting for their drink.”
Most “databases” describe foreign women are easier targets: “targeting foreign girls, like undergraduate exchange students or phD students,” “If Asians are your thing you are in for a treat.”
A “Sydney Datasheet 2014” has categorised women based on race: Local Asian Girls, International Asian Girls and Local White Women.
Another describes specific venues as “fishbowls full of girls willing to fuck.”
The coded language refers to “day-game” and “night-game” when describing techniques on how to pick-up. Aggressive approaches are encouraged.
“Nonetheless, most of these girls still have an enormous sense of entitlement, even if they’re ugly and/or fat. Many of these girls describe themselves as feminists.”
“Regarding sex and relationships, they’ll usually be somewhat on the conservative side; however, you’ll still find some who are massive sluts as well.”
The forum is hosted by Roosh V, real name Daryush Valizadeh, a self-proclaimed “pick-up artist” who has publically called for rape to be legalised on private property.
“If rape becomes legal under my proposal, a girl will protect her body in the same manner that she protects her purse and smartphone,” he wrote.
In a he admits he has had “experiences which, if you remove all context, could be considered rape".
Insight into the ‘manosphere’
The ‘manosphere’ refers to a coalition of online communities perpetuating the varying misogynistic values of different sub-groups, for example:
- PUA’s: pickup artists who self-identified as seduction community, or pickup community
- Incels: online subculture who define themselves as unable to find a romantic or sexual partner, often blaming women for their lack of sex-life
- MRAs: men’s rights activists who generally reject feminism and are concerned with discrimination against men
Online misogyny researcher at the University of NSW Dr Emma Jane said the surfacing of these “datasheets” have provided an insight into the motivations of manosphere groups that are often closed.
“It has been validating for us who have been saying this misogyny is organised,” she said.
“What is happening in these groups is against the values of most of society, so when it gets exposed, it’s eye-opening and creates awareness.
“I think many women suspected these men existed, now this is proof.”
Dr Jane said these group perpetuates rape culture which endangers women.
“There is a link between broader rape culture perpetuated in these groups and physical violence against women and girls,” she said.
