Is some sexist humor acceptable?
First of all, I'm new to posting (though I have been lurking) to this community and livejournal in general, so greetings all.
Now I don't know if the film I'm linking to is well known and old news around here, but I'm curious about what your opinions of it might be. It's the "Prehistoric Monster Syndrome" clip, poking fun with the notion that men should tread carefully around a women during "that time of the month".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCwKbUVyHLY
Firstly, it's quite clear that this joke qualifies as sexist. (It's also an age old one, though i think here it's pulled of in quite an original way).
Secondly, being a man, I've learned it is prudent that I argue cautiously, when making claims to what might or might not be offensive to women, as that is ultimately for them to decide individually.
Having said that, I consider this clip to be of the "mostly harmless" variety. The kind you can risk sharing with members of the group that are the brunt of it (in this case women). It is acted out as a parody very much over the top (I love the old-timy narration style and costumes). Also one could possibly interpret it as a joke on sexist jokes.
Now I'm aware that women do get patronized, belittled and dismissed due to PMS. But I, and I assume most somewhat decent guys, while making such jokes, know to be considerate around spouses/partners/sisters (my sister gets terrible cramps) because the person is in pain and we should give them a break, not for fear of "irrational" behavior. Of course, us knowing this will in itself not be of any use to the women who feel patronized, belittled and dismissed by our jokes.
So, as I said earlier, I can only make speculations on how "safe" this variety of joke is and would appreciate some comment.
Now I don't know if the film I'm linking to is well known and old news around here, but I'm curious about what your opinions of it might be. It's the "Prehistoric Monster Syndrome" clip, poking fun with the notion that men should tread carefully around a women during "that time of the month".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCwKbUVyHLY
Firstly, it's quite clear that this joke qualifies as sexist. (It's also an age old one, though i think here it's pulled of in quite an original way).
Secondly, being a man, I've learned it is prudent that I argue cautiously, when making claims to what might or might not be offensive to women, as that is ultimately for them to decide individually.
Having said that, I consider this clip to be of the "mostly harmless" variety. The kind you can risk sharing with members of the group that are the brunt of it (in this case women). It is acted out as a parody very much over the top (I love the old-timy narration style and costumes). Also one could possibly interpret it as a joke on sexist jokes.
Now I'm aware that women do get patronized, belittled and dismissed due to PMS. But I, and I assume most somewhat decent guys, while making such jokes, know to be considerate around spouses/partners/sisters (my sister gets terrible cramps) because the person is in pain and we should give them a break, not for fear of "irrational" behavior. Of course, us knowing this will in itself not be of any use to the women who feel patronized, belittled and dismissed by our jokes.
So, as I said earlier, I can only make speculations on how "safe" this variety of joke is and would appreciate some comment.