“It’s just a joke.”

“It’s not that deep.”

“Learn to take a joke.”

These are some phrases commonly said by some people who end up saying hurtful things in the excuse of “just joking.” We all have come across them, right?

Today, I’m here to talk about them. I’m here to say things, that pretty much, is relatable to all women. Remember those boys, who joked about women’s job to only stay in the kitchen? Yes, them. They are considered to be one of the most ‘coolest person’ in their group (If only it’s a group of boys).

Nowadays, insecure and immature men can’t accept how women are moving forward and changing everyone’s lives. “Women can’t even drive.” Well, stats say otherwise. It’s unbelievable how teen boys and even some grown men are under the influence of toxic creators like Andrew Tate. A teacher from a school in England quoted that, "Girls started feeling unsafe and uncomfortable. They went from raising their hands in class to going completely silent.” This was because, a video of Andrew Tate had gone viral, wherein, he talked about his misogynistic values.

A joke is meant to be funny, but these jokes are offensive to women. Jokes are not always realistic or logical. But if repeated, it becomes a belief and slowly, a stereotype. And once something becomes a part of stereotype, people stop questioning it. That’s the scary part, a “joke” can lead to women not being treated right in their schools, colleges, workplace, relationships— and even at homes! Boys start believing that they’re superior just for being boys.

The worst part is, that some girls even laugh along. They are not brave enough to stand up for their gender and for all those people who fought for women’s rights, which are being violated by some men, who think that it’s okay to do what they’re doing. We need to stop this. We need to stop making these misogynistic men feel free to disrespect women whenever they want to.

So, take actions. Whenever your friend, brother, classmate, whoever makes an offensive joke against women, take it as your responsibility to stop and correct them. They should know what they’re doing, and they should own up to it.

I am not against jokes, or men. I am against those men, who think that it’s okay to disrespect women, and not treat them with the respect & dignity they deserve.

— Written by a girl who’s not afraid to speak up anymore.