Why Rape Jokes Aren't Funny
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Why Rape Jokes Aren't Funny

People tell more rape jokes than you might realize, and it's seriously harmful to survivors.

1990
Why Rape Jokes Aren't Funny

Very rarely have I ever heard someone actually say it would be funny if someone was raped. Most people are in touch with reality enough to know that someone being violently assaulted is never funny.

The one time that comes to mind when this wasn't the case was when Daniel Tosh said "Wouldn’t it be funny if that girl [referring to an audience member who “heckled” him about rape jokes not being funny earlier in his set] got raped by, like, five guys right now? Like right now?" back in 2012 when performing at the Laugh Factory.

No Daniel, that would not be funny and there are plenty of articles stating why that wasn't funny in 2012 that still apply to today. Those blatant rape jokes aren't funny. But there are subtler rape jokes that come about in our every day lives.

There have been countless times when I've heard, "Man, that test raped me," or if you frequent online first person shooters, you've probably heard "I need back up. I'm getting raped over here!" And how many times have you heard a friend make a joke about how they are too pretty or small to go to prison.

On several occasions, I've heard male friends say something about "fearing for the safety of their asses" if they were to go to prison. Now those phrases may not be what you think of when you hear the phrase 'rape joke,' but they are rape jokes. It takes rape out of its literal context and uses it to express discomfort.

Using rape as an analogy for something mildly unpleasant makes rape seem less serious than it really is. Which, to put it simply, isn't okay.

As a rape victim with severe PTSD, when I hear the word rape, I can't help but think about my own experience with sexual assault. When a person compares taking a test to every memory I have of being violently assaulted, it's pretty annoying, to say the least.

No test is going to traumatize a person to the point where they have severe nightmares. No game is going to change your life so drastically that you fear everyone around you. Prison rape is a serious problem that shouldn't be taken lightly. Rape should not be the go-to word whenever something is challenging or stressful. Rape should be used when someone is literally raped and that is it. It isn't a fun analogy. It isn't a good way to put a difficult event in context and it isn't a joke.

So if you're the kind of person that says something raped you when it wasn't an actual sexual assault, stop. Statistically, at least one victim of sexual assault is hearing that. You are bringing up a traumatic experience that probably makes them feel isolated in a way that is unimaginable for people who haven't experienced sexual trauma. It is also somewhat likely that a rapist is hearing that and thinking "this person gets it. Rape isn't that bad."

If rapists agree with how you treat rape, you're probably doing something wrong. Don't empower rapists. Don't belittle the trauma rape victims have survived. Call out people who use the word rape improperly.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

6 Things Owning A Cat Has Taught Me

This one's for you, Spock.

5973
6 Things Owning A Cat Has Taught Me
Liz Abere

Owning a pet can get difficult and expensive. Sometimes, their vet bills cost hundreds of dollars just for one visit. On top of that, pets also need food, a wee wee pad for a dog, a litter box with litter for a cat, toys, and treats. Besides having to spend hundreds of dollars on them, they provide a great companion and are almost always there when you need to talk to someone. For the past six years, I have been the proud owner of my purebred Bengal cat named Spock. Although he's only seven years and four months old, he's taught me so much. Here's a few of the things that he has taught me.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Kinder Self - Eyes

You're Your Own Best Friend

7856
Kinder Self - Eyes
Pexels

It's fun to see all of the selfies on social media, they are everywhere. I see pictures with pouty lips, duck lips and pucker lips. I see smokey eyes, huge fake lashes and nicely done nose jobs, boob jobs and butt lifts. Women working out in spandex, tiny tops and flip flops. I see tight abs and firm butts, manicured nails and toes, up dos and flowing hair. "Wow", I think to myself," I could apply tons of make-up, spend an hour on my hair, pose all day and not look like that. Maybe I need a longer stick!"

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Rap Songs With A Deeper Meaning

Rap is more than the F-bomb and a beat. Read what artists like Fetty, Schoolboy Q, Drake, and 2Pac can teach you.

25749
Rap artist delivers performance on stage
Photo by Chase Fade on Unsplash

On the surface, rap songs may carry a surface perception of negativity. However, exploring their lyrics reveals profound hidden depth.Despite occasional profanity, it's crucial to look beyond it. Rap transcends mere wordplay; these 25 song lyrics impart valuable life lessons, offering insights that extend beyond the conventional perception of rap music.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

21 Drinks For Your 21st Birthday

Maybe don't try them all in one day...

4841
21 Drinks For Your 21st Birthday

My 21st birthday is finally almost here. In honor of finally turning 21, I thought I'd share 21 fun drinks since it's finally legal for me to drink them.

Some of these drinks are basic, but some of them are a little more interesting. I thought they all looked pretty good and worth trying, so choose your favorites to enjoy at your big birthday bash!

Keep Reading...Show less
Politics

Ancient Roman Kings: 7 Leaders of Early Rome

The names and dates of the reigns of the first four kings, as well as the alternation of Sabin and Latin names, are more legendary than historical. The last three kings, of Etruscan origin, have an existence which seems less uncertain.

6468
inside ancient roman building
Photo by Chad Greiter on Unsplash

It is evident that all this is only a legend although archeology shows us little by little that these kings if they did not exist as the ancient history, describes them, have at least in the very Outlines were real as chief of a shepherd’s tribe. The period when kings ruled Rome could estimate at 245 years.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments