Letters to the Editor
This letter is associated with the following article:
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Visualization and humanization alters the joke
Rape is visually implied in this skit. In other examples posted by LWs, the "joke" is abstract, referring to rape in general rather than rape in particular. In the Python instance, it is the "victim" who makes the joke and we do not participate as viewers.
I think the visual medium and the direct implication of an actual rape is what made it unfunny and in very bad taste. We participate visually in the scene and our sympathies are engaged. When "rape" is used as an abstract term in the other examples, it lacks humanity or sympathy.
I do not find any of this material "funny", in general or particular.