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Writer's pictureManushya Foundation

đŸ’„đŸ’ą Sexist jokes are microaggressions, and they are part of a bigger patriarchal problem


📌 Jokes at the expense of women and other gender and sexual minorities have been long been considered “harmless fun”, but they may fall under what’s considered microaggressions. According to psychologist Derald W. Sue, microaggressions are “the everyday slights, indignities, put downs and insults that people of color, women, LGBT populations or those who are marginalized experience in their day-to-day interactions with people."


🗯 Without the intention to be offensive or derogatory, these comments have hostile implications. For instance, sexual or flirty comments on women’s bodies as a form of entertainment inherently promotes the objectification and sexualization of women. Similarly, when a man pokes fun at himself for being the “inferior” one or being “scolded” by their wives, it is usually indicative of their lack of responsibilities, for example, their inability to help with chores. This narrative also trivializes the real power imbalance where men are structurally more privileged.


#WeAreManushyan ♟ Equal Human Beings


✊ Manushya Foundation condemns all sexist, misogynistic, and patriarchal acts against women and LGBTIQ+ people. Jokes at the expense of women and other gender diverse minorities not only represent patriarchal norms that are deeply embedded in our society, but also perpetuate them. If we are to abolish oppressive attitudes, we cannot ignore the manifestations of patriarchy, no matter how minor, and we must constantly reflect if our actions or beliefs are harmful.



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