INTERNET HUMOUR AND THE NORMALISATION OF RAPE CULTURE

This paper investigates the discursive construction of sexual violence in humorous Internet memes. Feminist digital media scholars have taken an increased interest ways which communication and content reproduces notions gender norms as well creating misogynist, racist, homophobic transphobic content. However, little research has investigated role humour plays this discourse – especially how it is presented Using #MeToo a case study, memes that focus on violence. Investigating sexuality are discursively constructed memes, focuses into representation The asks: what can learn by taking seriously? key findings this. A himpathetic (Manne 2018) logic runs through most centralises men’s experiences provides disproportionate sympathy with male perpetrators widely disregards female victims. Humour used to signal inclusion exclusion platforms become spaces for indicating reaffirming heteronormativity homosociality. work done excludes women, minorities people colour. extends victim/survivors who often butt joke prop create meme.