Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Transphobia on the radio

Dear Q92 Sudbury Radio Station,

I was listening to your morning show and was appalled by the overt discrimination in this morning's joke. I like to laugh at a good joke as much as the next person, but the level of sexism in many of your jokes is alarming. Today's joke, however, took it to a whole new level.

The punchline of the joke was that the woman, who had just kissed a man (that I would say was sexually harassing her), was actually born in a man's body. It was supposed to be funny because the man in the joke had just been kissed by a person many would deem male without knowing it. This joke is based on transphobia and homophobia. Instead of making life easier for transgendered people, this joke serves to uphold the dominant beliefs that they are unnatural. It spreads fear and hatred. It should never have made it on the air.

Jokes that are racist (at least overtly so) are not allowed to be told on your radio show, which is great. But why don't other groups, such as women and queer people, get the same level of respect.

I urge you to check the jokes more carefully before they are told on the air. I also think that it is important to issue an apology for the joke that was told this morning. Until then, I will not be tuning in to your station (or any other Rogers television and radio stations).


No comments:

Post a Comment