In a world where humor sometimes misses the mark, the line between funny and offensive can become blurred. A joke like, “Roses are red, Violets are blue, We’re having sex, ‘Cause I’m stronger than you!” might get a laugh, but it’s anything but amusing. The reality is that jokes about rape are not funny, and it’s shocking that some people even think they are.
As we mark Sexual Assault Awareness Month, it’s essential to recognize that one in five women will experience rape in her lifetime. Moreover, millions supported a leader who has made problematic comments about sexual assault, illustrating the troubling state of our society.
While I appreciate a good laugh and enjoy comedy, it’s disheartening when it’s co-opted by those who perpetuate misogyny or those who lack the talent to rise above the lowest common denominator. Fortunately, there are talented female comedians—and a few enlightened men—who cleverly subvert the narrative of rape jokes by critiquing rape culture itself.
You might wonder how these types of humor differ. There’s a significant distinction between mocking victims and satirizing the perpetrators or the societal norms that enable them. The best comedy often “punches up”—targeting those in positions of power rather than those who are being oppressed. This is a simple concept, yet it often eludes many.
The essence of jokes about rape culture is that they are inherently anti-rape. In contrast, traditional rape jokes, even if not intended as pro-rape, often come across that way. Many who share such jokes fail to understand why they provoke such strong reactions. These jokes contribute to a culture that trivializes serious trauma and normalizes attitudes that embolden offenders while shaming victims.
Conversely, jokes targeting rape culture function effectively as satire, exposing the absurdity of societal attitudes that allow individuals like Brock Turner to evade justice. They reclaim agency from those who abuse it, shifting the conversation from “What were you wearing?” to “Why are you raping?” and from “Don’t get raped,” to “Don’t rape.”
Last summer, the satire website Reductress published a series of pieces addressing rape culture with headlines like, “I Anonymously Reported My Rape for the Anonynous Attention” and “’Most Women Lie About Rape,’ Says Man Lying About Rape.” This type of humor is both clever and necessary, challenging readers to rethink their perspectives.
However, the comedy scene remains fraught with challenges. Recently, a stand-up special by comedian Mark Daniels included disturbing references to rape, prompting a wave of defense from certain audiences. One commenter remarked, “It’s 2023; everyone makes rape jokes.” This is simply not true and contributes to the ongoing cycle of rape culture.
What’s so hard to understand? If you think it’s acceptable to make light of forcing someone into sexual situations against their will, a reality check is long overdue. Just as society doesn’t joke about child molestation or the victims of tragic events like 9/11, rape should be off-limits as well.
On the flip side, the ridiculous justifications and trivializations inherent in rape culture are fair game. I encourage comedians to continue using humor to dismantle these harmful norms, one joke at a time.
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Summary:
The distinction between rape jokes and jokes about rape culture lies in their target; the former trivializes victims, while the latter critiques the societal norms that allow such behavior to flourish. By turning the lens on the absurdity of rape culture, comedians can effectively raise awareness and provoke change.