This was a real event (no strawmen here) but happens to be a good analogy
When I first joined the debates, I was a neutral with all the makings of an anti. I am a traditional artist, I have been---in various mediums---for 30 years (writing and film editing are my true passions) so all in all I shoulda been y'all.
But one of my legitimate questions was taken as Pro-AI bait and I was involved in a lengthy debate with two people. I ended up being demanded to show proof of the art that I claimed and I only had my recent stuff on hand. My style is simplistic stick figures, most of the time focusing more on the message than the look, but it IS intentionally this way.
The met me with so much criticism about my talent, about my dedication, and even my ability to call myself an artist; challenging my very identity because I've been an artist for practically my whole life. It became a really awful time, for me, I know it's just words of strangers, but I also am proud of my art and it has helped me through tough times.
Then WItty-Designer7316 came into the conversation...it was *deep* into the thread by that point...and started challenging them on some of their statements, not exactly aggressively, (because this was a while ago when she was more patient) but definitely firmly. They ***IMMEADIETELY*** pounced on the opportunity to fight her, they actually seemed to re-energize.....
....But most importantly they forgot about me entirely, even though I had responded already. They left me alone. I logged off for a bit, and when I came back later I realized that the intervention she just did was very much akin to that presented in the comic; just in a different tone.
She saw someone uncomfortable, and put herself between them and the person making them uncomfortable. She has a face that antis seethe over so she uses it to distract them. She has allowed so many of us the space to create, that many of us are showing our thanks by doing the same.
WHY would someone put themselves in front of aggressors, and make comics to draw their focus? Because it allows others to flourish, develop their talents, find community, and thrive.
DISCLAIMER ABOUT THE COMIC:
Like I mentioned, this was a real event in my life. The depiction of the man being drunk and lewd is not a criticism of alcohol or those who partake, it was literally the state of the man and the situation of the events. The quote isn't exact, but it was something that implied she would not only be taken advantage of, but yes, in a disgusting environment. The woman was young and timid, possibly inebriated too, but her fear was more noticeable. This is not a broad brush painting ANY group of people in any way, this is the exact painting of the scene that happened.