Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
We’re having sex,
Because I’m bigger than you!
Haha! Get it? Super funny, right? Not even close.
Rape jokes? Completely devoid of humor. It’s baffling to think anyone finds them amusing, especially in a world where one in five women will face sexual assault in their lifetime. During a month dedicated to raising awareness about sexual violence, it’s disheartening to reflect on the fact that over 60 million Americans chose a leader who, through his infamous bus video, either jokingly boasted about committing sexual assault or blatantly admitted to it. This is the reality we navigate.
I appreciate a good laugh and enjoy comedy, but I draw the line when it becomes a vehicle for misogyny or when comedians resort to lowbrow humor to appeal to the worst in society.
Enter the brilliant women in comedy — and a few good men who set the standard — who cleverly flip the script on rape jokes by targeting the culture surrounding them.
You might ask how that distinction matters. The difference is profound. Ridiculing a victim is one thing; mocking a perpetrator or the societal norms that shield them is another. Smart comedy should always punch up, not down. It’s far more effective to challenge those in power than to belittle those who suffer.
Rape culture jokes are inherently anti-rape. Even if not intended to be pro-rape, traditional rape jokes can come across that way. Many who share them don’t realize the impact of their words, or why they elicit such strong reactions. These jokes trivialize serious trauma and perpetuate harmful attitudes that enable rapists, while also ostracizing and shaming victims.
Conversely, jokes about rape culture shine a light on the absurdities and injustices that allow perpetrators to evade consequences. They reclaim power from abusers and shift the focus from victim-blaming questions like “What were you wearing?” to “Why do you feel entitled to commit such acts?” and from “Don’t get raped” to “Don’t rape.”
Last summer, the site Reductress featured a series of satirical pieces that tackled rape culture head-on, with headlines like “I Anonymously Reported My Rape for the Anonymous Attention” and “Most Women Lie About Rape, Says Man Lying About Rape.” Now that’s humor that resonates! If you appreciate satire, you’ll likely find these pieces relatable and insightful.
However, the comedic landscape is still challenging. For instance, Dave Chapelle’s recent Netflix special contained several unsettling references to rape, sparking heated debates online. Many men rushed to defend him, claiming, “It’s 2023; everyone makes rape jokes.”
No, they don’t. This mindset feeds into rape culture. Why is it so difficult to grasp? If you think coercing someone into a sexual act is a laughing matter, it’s time for a reality check. Nobody jokes about child molestation in a way that mocks the victims, nor do they trivialize the tragedies of events like 9/11. Some topics are simply too grave for humor, and rape absolutely falls into that category.
On the other hand, the ridiculous justifications and trivializations found in rape culture? Those are ripe for laughter. So, comedians, keep dismantling that culture, one clever joke at a time.
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Summary:
Rape jokes lack humor and perpetuate a harmful culture, while jokes about rape culture highlight absurdities and empower victims. It’s essential to differentiate between the two. Comedians should focus on dismantling the societal norms that protect perpetrators, making room for satire that can provoke thought and change.