Rape | Apparently, there are some [television] writers out there who think that their audience is somehow clamoring for more quips about abuse. | Photo: Archives | Related: rape, television, writer

Normally I find overly-PC people annoying. Sometimes stereotypical jokes and off color humor is funny, because they can be mostly, um, true. But even I draw the line when people make fun of rape. In today's culture, rape jokes are becoming more and more popular, popping up in movies, sitcoms, and talk shows. Vulture recently did a piece commenting on how incredibly common these jokes are becoming—there were even enough clips for them to make a montage video of recent TV shows and the spate of unfunny assault-related humor.

I first truly noticed the tide turning when the Sandusky scandal hit. I tried to ignore several items I read on the Internet (like a joke that Sandusky's autobiography was to be titled "Touched,") because I can acknowledge the fact that people write whatever they want on the web. But I became more appalled when late night talk shows started using the victims and their horrifying circumstances as fodder for their monologues.

But apparently, there are some writers out there who think that their audience is somehow clamoring for more quips about abuse. CBS's new sitcom 2 Broke Girls has made an astounding number of rape jokes—numbering at least five jokes for a show that has only been on for a few months. It almost makes it more unbearable to hear a fake laugh track play after a character uses a horrible crime as a throwaway punch line. But that show is hardly the only one capitalizing on this type of humor. Every network has shows that include some reference to pedophilia, 'sleep assault,' or hooking up with passed out drunk girls. Shows likeNBC's Whitney and Up All Night, FOX's Glee, and ABC's Modern Family are just a few examples.

NBC also airs a program that was once applauded for its sheer boldness to go after controversial topics. However, Saturday Night Live is one of the biggest culprits. They have entire sketches dedicated to child molesters' Halloween experiences, every conceivable double entendre to describe prison rape, and jokes about Penn State that filled every Weekend Update segment. I c

Rape jokes are becoming more popular, popping up in movies, sitcoms, and talk shows.

an't be the only one who finds these sketches not only unfunny, but rather completely disgusting.

I'm not saying I boycott these shows (which I fear wouldn't do anything anyway.) I still love Chelsea Handler's late night talk show, Chelsea Lately, on E!, despite dozens of episodes in which roundtable member, comedian Loni Love, kisses people and then jokes for several minutes about her 'face raping' antics. I find it revolting, but because most of the other content is funny and not offensive (to me anyway), I continue to watch.

That said, I am stating right now that I will be boycotting any actor who has made the claim that paparazzi taking their picture is the equivalent of getting raped. I'm looking at you, Kristen Stewart. I feel that statements like these are the exact catalyst for the popularity of rape jokes in the media. Because if people keep comparing assault to a similar experience as getting your photo taken, the sense of danger and terror that accompanies any type of violation is erased. Of course, writers and comedians are going to make fun of something that's not serious. But, unfortunately, rape and sexual abuse have ruined many people's lives. We should be encouraging victims to share their stories, not mock what they've had to endure. Assaults of any kind lead to depression, alcohol and drug abuse, and suicide. So, excuse me for not laughing.

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