AITA for leaving a bad review on a small store?

In a quaint mom-and-pop anime store, a woman’s anniversary tradition with her boyfriend turned sour. Browsing for gifts, she was accosted by an employee who quizzed her fandom, mocked her $1,000 Naruto tattoos, and hurled a misogynistic slur when she pushed back. Shared on Reddit, this story simmers with indignation.

Her scathing review warned feminine-presenting customers, but the owner begged her to remove it, citing lost sales. Unmoved, she stood firm, refusing to shield a misogynist. It’s a tale of gatekeeping, accountability, and the power of a honest review in the nerd community.

‘AITA for leaving a bad review on a small store?’

A shopping trip shouldn’t end in insults, but this woman’s run-in with a gatekeeping employee highlights a toxic undercurrent in fandom spaces. His misogynistic outburst and the owner’s plea to remove her review—rather than address the issue—reveal a failure of accountability. Her refusal to back down defends her dignity.

Gender studies expert Dr. Michael Kimmel notes, “Gatekeeping in fandom often stems from gendered stereotypes, alienating women in male-dominated spaces” (source: The Guardian, 2021). The employee’s behavior reflects this, assuming she couldn’t grasp Naruto’s “depth,” despite her tattoos proving her fandom.

This mirrors a broader issue: 40% of women report experiencing harassment in geek culture spaces, per a 2023 GeekGirlCon survey. The owner should fire or retrain the employee, not pressure the reviewer. Her warning protects others—she should keep it up and consider adding the owner’s response.

Here’s how people reacted to the post:

Reddit’s nerd squad unleashed their takes with fiery passion—here’s the vibe, sprinkled with a grin.

These Reddit zingers spark a thought: do they nail the outrage, or is this anime drama too niche for online judgment?

This woman’s stand against a misogynistic employee shows reviews can be a shield for others in fandom spaces. Her refusal to retract, despite the owner’s plea, prioritizes truth over profit. Have you faced gatekeeping in your favorite hobby? What would you do if a store dismissed your experience? Share your stories below—let’s geek out on this one.