• potatoing away •

Chill Bro



"it's just a joke" he says as the group of teenage boys laugh.

Looking back, I didn't really understand why that was added because we all laughed at the comment, before the added disclaimer, so clearly we all agreed and accepted it as it is and NOT as a joke right.. so why the added disclaimer?

Isn't it telling when one tries to defend and distances themselves even before anything has been said of their comment or remark?

Nevertheless, the 'jokes' continue and so does the laughter, increasing with every take.

"wait, why am I laughing, is this actually funny?" I never thought to ask myself

I remember coming across this chart on rape culture and seeing 'rape jokes' and 'sexist attitudes', amongst many others, as preceding behaviours leading towards rape.

Chart showing how rape culture is normalized. A graphic titled “Rape Culture” that has a triangle with words and a background gradient of darker red at the top peak, orange in the center, and yellow at the bottom. On the side of the pyramid is an arrow and 3 works, explaining the the gradient. Normalization leads to Degradation which leads to Assault. The text under the pyramid explains the relationship: “Tolerance of the behaviors at the bottom supports or excuses those higher up. To change outcomes, we must change the culture. If you see something, say something! Start the conversation today.” The words inside the pyramid, starting with the top and most severe: Rape, Drugging, Molestation, Stealthing (Covert Condom Removal), Contraceptive Sabotage, Victim Blaming & Shaming, Coercion/Manipulation, Threats, Revenge Porn, Safe Word Violations, Groping, Non-Consensual Photo or Video, Flashing & Exposing, Unsolicited Nude Pics, Catcalling, Unwanted Non-Sexual Touch, Stalking, Sexist Attitudes, Rape Jokes, Locker Room Banter.
(11th Principle Consent)

It's never just that 'one thing' he said, it's never 'just a joke', there's always more to it, there's always a reason why he said what he said, the intentionality of it and where or to whom it's being directed.

As the name correctly describes it, it is a culture, for which its existence relies on it being taught, practised, accepted and even defended by society – primarily by men and boys.

I then came across another chart, this one outlining a number of ways to counter and disrupt rape culture.

Disrupt Rape Culture Pyramid

Misogyny runs deep in society mainly because it is allowed to, breaking the cycle and doing something about it comes in many ways, such as asking him - “wait, how is this funny?”

~ 🐨


come along with me and the butterflies and bees - Ashley Eriksson

😊 ~ words and media that are my own are CC BY-SA 4.0 ~ 😊