A question of the smackdown
I really really really hate it when people trivialize rape. I mean HATE it. I mean, sometimes I have to leave the situation entirely so as to not blow a gasket of anger-filled spew on to the offender. Sometimes, it's just stupid word choices: "forcible sex". Um, no. Rape. Sometimes it's a stupid joke, "And the upside is in Thailand, you don't just get to rape the hooker, you can kill her too!" (Jon Stewart on the first ep I ever watched. Suffice it to say, it was several years before I was convinced to watch again). Sometimes, it's a bad metaphor. "Aw man, I was just assraped by the government!" (meaning, "I had to pay them the taxes I owed them")
Normally, I try to say something, politely. It's usually met with mockery, defensiveness or "Jeez, bitch, it's a fucking joke!" or something to that effect. But I figure anyone else around that person might get the hint and not do it, and who knows, that person might think twice next time, even it's because s/he doesn't want the uptight bitch to smack him/her down again.
Now, is it worth it? Should I always do this when I hear it? What if it's in someone else's comment section of LJ? What if it's my husband's coworker? (Never happened, but what if?) Random asshole on the bus? Would like input.
Normally, I try to say something, politely. It's usually met with mockery, defensiveness or "Jeez, bitch, it's a fucking joke!" or something to that effect. But I figure anyone else around that person might get the hint and not do it, and who knows, that person might think twice next time, even it's because s/he doesn't want the uptight bitch to smack him/her down again.
Now, is it worth it? Should I always do this when I hear it? What if it's in someone else's comment section of LJ? What if it's my husband's coworker? (Never happened, but what if?) Random asshole on the bus? Would like input.