So I’m on the bandwagon now and I’ve heard about this thing called “ironic” or “retro” sexism. Simply put, retro sexism is sexist humor. Say a friend (probably a guy) makes an obviously sexist joke, making it clear that they know the joke is sexist, and that is why it’s supposed to be funny. Sexist jokes and images objectifying women are seen in all areas of media. If they’re recognizing that it’s sexist, what’s the problem?
It’s sexist.
And, it’s everywhere. Sexist jokes are popular jokes. Why couldn’t Helen Keller drive? Because she was a woman. How many men does it take to open a beer? It should be opened by the time she brings it.
We’re supposed to laugh at these ridiculously sexist jokes. We all recognize that they’re sexist, and most people brush it off as not really sexist because we all know it’s sexist. Making light of sexism is not something to laugh at because sexism is not something to laugh at. The same goes for racist or gay jokes (or jokes about any other marginalized group). They’re not funny.
Ladies, have you ever heard someone tell a sexist joke and laughed even though you were offended? If you’re African American, have you ever heard a racist joke and laughed simply because it was openly recognized as a racist joke? If you’re gay or lesbian, have you ever heard a gay joke and laughed it off? I’m betting that none of you found things jokes inherently funny, and it’s high time that we stop laughing at them. We cannot be silent about sexism, racism, homophobia, or classism. Stop laughing at these jokes, and start calling people out on their bullshit. (Perhaps gently, if they’re a loved one.) Beware of images in the media. Sexism is often used to sell products. Be an activist. Call sexist commercials or TV shows out to whoever might be watching them with you. Better yet, write a letter to the company. Write on their Facebook page. Refuse to buy their product that is marketed through the use of sexism or racism. It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you speak up and let it be known that you do not condone sexism (or any other “ism”).
I created this blog based on this youtube video done by “feministfrequency”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PD0Faha2gow
As she says in this video: “Advertisers aren’t making fun of or pointing out sexism. They’re doing it.”