Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
We’re having sex,
Because I’m physically stronger than you!
Isn’t that just a riot? Yeah, no. It’s really not.
Jokes about rape are far from funny, and it’s astonishing to think that some people actually find humor in them. We have an entire month dedicated to raising awareness about sexual assault, and yet statistics show that one in five women will experience rape in their lifetime. To top it off, a significant number of Americans supported a leader who either brazenly admitted to or casually joked about sexually assaulting women. This is the reality we face.
I appreciate a good laugh, but I become infuriated when humor is co-opted by misogynistic individuals or unoriginal comedians who resort to the lowest common denominator for a cheap laugh.
Enter the witty female comedians and a few enlightened men who cleverly subvert the narrative surrounding rape jokes by critiquing the culture that enables such behavior.
Understanding the Difference
So, what’s the difference? There’s a vast chasm between mocking a victim and calling out the perpetrators or the societal norms that shield them. Smart comedy typically “punches up,” targeting those in power rather than the vulnerable. The aim is to challenge authority and abuse, not to belittle those who are oppressed. (I want to say “Duh,” but here we are.)
Rape culture jokes inherently oppose the act of rape. In contrast, traditional rape jokes, regardless of intent, can often come off as endorsing the very behavior they claim to critique. Those who share such jokes may not see the harm they cause, but they contribute to a culture that belittles victims and normalizes unacceptable behavior.
The Power of Rape Culture Satire
On the other hand, rape culture satire works like any effective form of satire: it sheds light on the absurdity of the attitudes and cultural standards that allow offenders to evade accountability. These jokes reclaim power from those who abuse it and shift the conversation from “What were you wearing?” to “Why are you committing these acts?” and from “Don’t get raped,” to “Don’t rape.”
For example, last year, a site called The Satirical Hub filled its pages with parody articles critiquing rape culture, featuring headlines like “Anonymous Reporting My Rape for the Attention” and “Most Women Lie About Rape, Says Man Who Lies About Rape.” Now that’s comedy! If you appreciate satire, you’ll find these articles genuinely amusing.
The Challenges in Comedy
However, the comedy landscape remains challenging. Some recent stand-up specials have included troubling references to rape, and the responses often reflect a dangerous attitude. I came across a comment defending such humor with, “It’s 2023; everyone makes jokes about rape.” No, not everyone does. That mindset perpetuates rape culture.
If you think coercing someone into unwanted sexual activity is a laughing matter, you desperately need to reassess your perspective. There are reasons we don’t joke about child molestation or the tragedies of 9/11. Some subjects are simply too serious for humor, and being raped should absolutely be one of them.
Rape culture, with its ridiculous justifications and trivializations, however, is ripe for satire. It’s the absurdity of the culture that we can and should laugh at, particularly when it’s executed well. So, to all comedians: keep dismantling rape culture one clever joke at a time.
Further Reading
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Summary
Jokes about rape are never appropriate, as they often trivialize the suffering of victims. In contrast, satire that critiques rape culture can be a powerful tool for change. Comedians should focus on challenging the absurdities of societal norms that protect perpetrators rather than making jokes at the expense of victims.
Keyphrase: Rape culture satire
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