Challenging Harmful Jokes and Comments
Launch library · evergreen read
Jokes and offhand comments that dismiss or belittle these issues can quietly normalise harm, even when nobody involved intends for that to happen at all. It is a quiet, steady form of everyday leadership within a community. This is something every community can genuinely contribute toward together. This is a quiet but meaningful contribution to a safer community overall.
A calm, simple response, like saying that is not something to joke about, can shift a room's tone without needing a lecture or a confrontation. This is worth modelling consistently, not only occasionally when convenient. This holds true across generations, even as attitudes continue to shift. This is a habit worth passing on to the next generation.
If speaking up feels hard, support is available for you too. 1800RESPECT is on 1800 737 732, and Lifeline is on 13 11 14, any hour. Nobody expects you to have all the answers before you call. You do not have to work through this entirely on your own. Every call is treated with genuine care, whatever the reason behind it.