Rape Culture and Stand-Up Comedy

by Jamin Shih

As we have discussed in our class recently, the media plays a role in the attitudes and perceptions of people in society. It also reflects the ideas present. This one-two punch makes media especially powerful because not only does it continue to air opinions and attitudes that are prevalent in society [and may be problematic], it also influences our thinking in the process. One aspect of American society that is of major concern nowadays is rape culture. Rape culture is the idea that attitudes about rape and rape victims are in part responsible for the relatively common occurrence of rape. A 2010 survey reports that rape is more common than smoking in women. This is a huge problem and it is time to examine what parts of the media are partially responsible and what we as a society can do to rectify the situation.

Stand-up comedy is a collection of jokes generally with an overarching theme told by a comedian to a live audience. In addition to jokes about spouses, pets, and sex, rape and sexual assault are relatively common topics. Rape jokes are inherently controversial, as are jokes about many crimes, but it is interesting to see how different comedians approach the subject (if at all) and how consumers respond to it.

Recently, Daniel Tosh [a comedian and star of the show Tosh.0] came under fire for this account of telling a rape joke. The audience member was reportedly heckled for disapproving of rape jokes and left the theatre humiliated after being the victim of another rape joke from Tosh. Almost instantly, the blog post received countless reblogs and comments. The owner of the comedy club later responded with this alternative account of the story where Tosh is portrayed in a slightly more sympathetic light. Tosh also apologized on twitter and linked directly to this post.

An interesting tangent to Tosh's predicament are the claims from some of those offended that rape jokes are not inherently offensive; they are offensive only if they make light of rape and contribute to rape culture. One user linked to a stand-up act from Wanda Sykes about detachable genitalia where she briefly mentions rape. Her joke was received significantly better, possibly because [as the user said], the joke was not making fun not of rape victims but of the ridiculousness of rapists. While this point does seem to have some merit, it should be noted that later on in the act, Sykes makes a gang rape joke that may be similar to the portrayal that Tosh made.

It is very difficult to say for sure where the line is for comedy. What is offensive and unacceptable and what is simply toeing the line in an effort to make social commentary?