Poll: Are rape jokes 'just part of the lingo'?

Broadcaster Vincent Browne has claimed that it’s “not unusual” for Irish men to make jokes about raping women they find attractive. Is he right?

BROADCASTER VINCENT Browne has come under fire for his suggestion on Tuesday night’s programme on TV3 that rape jokes “are just part of the lingo of Irish males”.

He went on to say that we “are a screwed-up society in that” and that jokes about rape were “not unusual”, though he later stressed that he personally found the alleged remarks “denigratory of women” and “sinister”.

But what do you think? Unacceptable as it may be to many people, is this simply the way Irish men talk? Or is the suggestion that rape jokes are “part of the lingo” off the wall?

Have your say: are rape jokes really just part of the lingo of Irish males?

Poll Results:

No: joking about rape is not socially acceptable in my group (1025)

Yes: don't condone it but he's right (683)

Yes: media should lighten up (226)

Yes: media should lighten up
Yes: don't condone it but he's right
No: joking about rape is not socially acceptable in my group

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Learn More Support The Journal