Have you ever stopped to notice just how normal it has become to jokingly sexualize things? To throw around the word “rape” in non-sexual contexts? Sex jokes are funny, right? You’re describing the thick, amazing sauce on your meal and your friend throws in the ol’ “That’s what she said!” The boys get all fired up about the upcoming football game and talk about how their team is going to rape the opponents. We see references to sexualization, objectification, and assault used casually as humor or metaphors in pop culture, media, and everyday life.
If you stop and really think about what is being said, it’s just not right. It has become normal, but shouldn’t be.
Most people would agree with these statements:
Rape isn’t funny.
Drugging people or getting them drunk in order to have sex with them isn’t right.
Sexual assault isn’t a joke.
Pedophilia is bad.
Then, why do we laugh when these things are portrayed in our favorite movies and TV shows, or joked about by our friends?
The purpose of NINOK (No, It’s Not OK) is to encourage you, the visitor, to pause and think about the things you say, or the things you encourage by laughing, or the things you support by watching. Some of the things you laugh at may not be in line with more firmly held beliefs – like, rape isn’t funny.
If you find that your words or actions aren’t lining up with your beliefs, consider changing how you respond. Don’t laugh at the crude joke about your coworker’s skirt. Don’t make everything about sex. Speak up for the person that’s clearly uncomfortable with your friend’s use of the word “rape.”
Change what’s normal.
See why this is important and what else you can do to help change what’s normal.