RAPE JOKES - NOT FUNNY NOW, NOT FUNNY EVER
1. Sexual harassment has been taking place in the schools for years, but only recently has it begun to get the attention it deserves. Some have called such attention as an overreaction to normal teenager behaviour who is going through puberty, but sexual harassment can inflict deep psychological damage on young people. Two recent incidents have made it clear to me that we must put our foot down and do something to stop it.
2. Sexual harassment is not an easy topic of discussion, let alone a joke. Derogatory sexual comments and rape jokes are very dangerous. When one person makes a comment that uses derogatory sexual language, others can use that comment and later repeat it to their friends. These friends will then absorb the comment and circulate the derogatory sexual language in their social circles, thinking that “it is okay” to laugh about it thus perpetuating a cycle that is difficult to break.
3. We are aware that the role of a teacher is to inspire, motivate, encourage and educate learners/students. A recent Malaysian student's tweet about her teacher who had joked and underplayed rape has gone viral. It was said that the teacher also made another sickening comment that “if boys get raped it doesn’t get reported because apparently boys would feel ‘good’ about it”. What’s more shocking is the fact that when the student lodged a report to her counselling teacher in school only to be told that it is “normal” for jokes like this to be made as boys feel alright and girls are often too sensitive and emotional. Instead of getting the justice she deserve, she was sent to the same counselling teacher for a “therapy” session.
4. We must put to an end of labelling rape jokes as “part of our culture.” Rape joke was never part of Malaysia’s culture and will never be. The modern society has belittled the voices of survivors, making conventional discussion very one-sided towards the perpetrators. Schools must take the responsibility for preserving an appropriate learning environment that rest primarily with school administrators. Listen to students when they speak up on any form of sexual harassment or approaches made by their teachers, peers, school personnel or any other members in the school. School staffs must never turn a deaf ear to students’ cries for help.
5. Thank you to the student who gathered every ounce of courage that is in her in making a very daring and bold decision of stepping out and speaking the truth whilst still handling her trauma/shock. Sexual harassment is not something young people need to learn to tolerate. Rather, it must be confronted and stopped so that schools can be a safe and positive space for children to learn. Ignoring the situation can often lead to a cycle of ongoing harassment and victimisation. Calling out on people who commit the “humour” of making a joke out of rape or any kind of violence need more efforts. Stern action must be taken to safeguard the safety of our students in school so that in future, actions like these will not be tolerated and it will be put to an end. We should make the elimination of sexual harassment or derogatory actions our top priority. I hope that the Ministry of Education will take action in engaging relevant authorities to make sure this horrendous practice ends.
AINIE HAZIQAH
EXCO Srikandi BERSATU Malaysia
