#CleanHumor Newsletter (03.18.20)
Although gallows humor can be a coping mechanism in difficult times, the challenge for all of us is to make sure that the humor we spread and laugh with doesn't fuel racism, homophobia, xenophobia, bigotry - or unhealthy attitudes.
In times of stress and uncertainty, the easiest instinct in some people is to find someone to blame; more often than not, the scapegoats are outsiders and minority groups that already vulnerable due to structural inequality. As the world changes in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, we all have the power to shape what the "new normal" becomes - and ensuring #CleanHumor is one way to stop racism, sexism, xenophobia, and other undesirable 'isms' in their tracks. A couple examples:
Being clean isn't "girly." Boys are bullied and conditioned from an early age from looking "girly" or "weak" - and cleanliness is associated with femininity. In other possibly related news...research shows that only 31% of men wash their hands after using a public restroom (versus 65% of women). In the short term, we can re-frame washing hands as a warrior habit protecting yourself and others; in the long-term, let's make sure to change the perceived linkage between practicing cleanliness and femininity.
Call out the "bat soup" jokes. People eating bat soup was NOT the source of the virus, and the bogus theory is founded on racist assumptions of "dirty" Asians that goes back a century.
Misinformation about COVID-19 is everywhere and growing by the second. The Anti-Defamation League is tracking the rise of racist, xenophobic, and anti-Semitic tropes online. These messages don't just spread hate and misinformation; they make it more difficult to access accurate information while elevating fear and anxiety. As long as we all stay informed from legitimate sources, wash our hands properly, and practice social distancing - we believe we'll all get through this (we're staying positive!).
We're all rightly concerned about our health and economic security, first and foremost. Yet, we can't let racist, sexist, xenophobic, or bigoted jokes slide, so we encourage you speak up for #CleanHumor whenever you see or hear otherwise.