Experts alarmed by entertainer treating rape scene as amusing anecdote
Despite apologies from actor Fauzi Nawawi and TV channel Astro Warna over recounting a rape scene as an amusing anecdote, experts warned that society needs to treat the issue seriously and with tact, rather than normalising rape and sexual abuse.
"Sexist jokes and rape jokes may not seem like that big of a deal because they are verbal and not physical, but they contribute to the same way of thinking that fuels real-life violence.
"Although these jokes and comments are unfortunately all too common...
Despite apologies from actor Fauzi Nawawi and TV channel Astro Warna over recounting a rape scene as an amusing anecdote, experts warned that society needs to treat the issue seriously and with tact, rather than normalising rape and sexual abuse.
"Sexist jokes and rape jokes may not seem like that big of a deal because they are verbal and not physical, but they contribute to the same way of thinking that fuels real-life violence.
"Although these jokes and comments are unfortunately all too common, they do not make such incidents any less harmful.
"When sexual harassment and sexual violence are minimised in the form of jokes, our real-world spaces are influenced by those same disrespectful beliefs and attitudes.
"When we talk about creating spaces that are safe from violence, that must mean a space where rape jokes are not tolerated," Universiti Malaya Gender Studies Programme Associate Professor Shanti Thambiah said.
She said rape jokes are always harmful and when unchecked, send a negative message that rape and sexual assault are not serious. These jokes are themselves a form of violence.
"Although they only reflect the point of view of the person making them, their public visibility normalises not taking sexual crime/rape seriously.
"These types of comments and behaviour may cause harm by re-traumatising survivors, where they may feel that the violence they experienced is a source of entertainment for others," Shanti told Malaysiakini.
Malaysia Mental Health Association (MMHA) president Dr Andrew Mohanraj said the lack of empathy and the treating of such a topic in a light-hearted and dismissive manner are probably symptomatic of deeper issues.
"Men who think it is okay to talk about rape in such a cavalier manner usually have personalities that are characterised by lack of empathy, narcissistic traits and feelings of hostility towards women.
"Although some might talk about it in the light of sexual gratification or sexual interest, it is more about demeaning people," Mohanraj added.
An apology doesn't make the issue go away
Universiti Malaya Gender Studies Programme Senior Lecturer Lai Suat Yan (photo, above) concurred, saying that those who make light of rape tend to equate it with sex based on their own narcissistic view.
"They conveniently ignore the element of consent, the force used and the scars it will leave not just physically - from physical injury to possibility of sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy - but also psychologically on rape survivors.
"They also conveniently turn a blind eye to the economic cost incurred on the survivors," she said.
Lai said any acceptance of jokes on rape makes light the humiliation and attack on a woman’s body and soul that may take years to heal.
"It also serves to silence those who want to speak out against it and create an unsafe environment for girls and women to be in," she said.
The recent furore surrounded a video clip from the "House No 107" programme in which Fauzi narrated his experience of performing a rape scene in the film Anak Halal.
He named actress Raja Farah - who was the "victim" in the scene.
Fauzi said he did the scene by holding back "lust" and fatigue.
While he subsequently apologised to Raja Farah, her husband and her family, the need to address the issue has been glaring.
Former minister Rafidah Aziz called the remarks "disgusting" and said no one should take lightly issues such as rape, and any form of abuse inflicted on others, whether adults or children.
Internet users and NGOs, including the All Women’s Action Society Malaysia (Awam), also took to social media to hold the actor accountable.
The proper response from the authorities still lacking
Earlier this year, 17-year-old Ain Husniza Saiful Nizam highlighted that her teacher allegedly told the boys in class that if they commit rape, they should target those above 18.
After going public with her story, Ain gained supporters but also suffered criticism and threats, including a rape threat from a classmate, who later apologised for his remark.
Despite the furore, the deputy public prosecutor decided no further action (NFA) against the teacher was necessary and Ain even received a letter of demand from the teacher demanding an apology and RM1 million in damages.
Meanwhile, a recent survey found that 44 percent of respondents aged between 18 and 30 reported witnessing a teacher making sexually provocative jokes.
The survey was by the Centre for Governance and Political Studies (Cent-GPS) - a Kuala Lumpur-based political science and social behavioural research firm - in collaboration with Awam.
Shanti said Malaysians must build an environment where there is zero tolerance for this type of content, whether in a classroom, on public television or in any other space.
"We need to send a message that rape jokes should not be tolerated and people who engage in such behaviour should be reprimanded and punished.
"We need to call on leaders and individuals to play a role in creating safe classrooms, workspaces and social platforms and to step in when such harmful behaviours are being normalised," Shanti added.
