Threats against Dr. Henry fuelled by gender and success: Expert

Dr. Bonnie Henry's suggestion that gender could play a role in the degree of hateful messages she has received is no surprise to philosopher Scott Anderson.

Anderson, associate professor of philosophy at UBC, said women in public positions are frequently subjected to abuse that men in similar positions aren't. This includes threats of rape and sexist stereotypes, suggesting that gender was part of what motivates the abuse.

On Tuesday, during a panel discussion at the annual convention of the Union of B.C. Municipalities, Henry said she had received death threats, nasty notes and harassing phone calls since the pandemic began in January.

Henry said she believed it was partly due to her status as a woman in a high-profile position, and that people feel comfortable targeting her in ways they would not necessarily do to male leaders.

Anderson said some people were having a strong response to the role government was playing in managing the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I wouldn't be surprised if there are also men in similar positions as (Henry) today that are being threatened and subjected to harassment,” he said.

“But I also wouldn't be surprised if she has received more and worse, partly because of how she has earned praise for how she has conducted her job, and partly because of her sex, two factors that together likely draw extra attention and anger from those who disagree with B.C.'s policies.”