Yesterday when I wrote the post about changing the definition of rape, I decided to Google the word "rape" and hit the images button. Yeah, I know. That was dumb. It got me looking at some of the shitty rape memes. I'll grudgingly admit that some memes do strike me as pretty funny (
Conspiracy Keanu,
Ancient Aliens,
Good Guy Greg,
Ordinary Muslim Man). But memes also seem to pull for some of the worst in humanity. The racists, sexists and plain old pervs seem to have no problem revealing their true stripes anonymously online, under the guise of "humor." Here are some not-so-witty versions of demotivational posters.
This is from the hallowed halls of ebaums's world.
No, I'm pretty sure you wouldn't, Cletus. If you wanted to make a joke about this photo, you should focus on the shirtless, Robin Hood-booted, acid-washed jean wearing fool in the background. Rape is usually one of the last things you want to go for when you are trying to be funny.
Here's a master work that combines sexism with particularly disgusting racism. Really?
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| You are all rockin' the flip-phones, though! |
Here's one that pokes fun at what we all know to be true. Date rape isn't
real rape!
Like I said, rape is hilarious! It's a victimless crime, really.
People joke about what worries them. Memes are always about what confuses and frightens or embarrasses people. I see some of the rape memes as expressing this sort of emotion.
ReplyDeleteThe discussion about what constitutes rape has been going on for a couple of thousand years. The boundaries are pushed back and forth depending on the culture and circumstances in which the protagonists find themselves.
For example, is rape in war OK? Can men rape other men? What about children? Can women rape men? Is rape always the worst thing that can happen? (Answer: no, when a male attacker cannot penetrate with the penis and uses a sharp implement instead.)
I reckon there's PhD in 'rape memes' for someone.