Trinidadian comedian uses humour to say gender-based violence isn’t funny · Global Voices
<PERSON>, better known as the comedian <PERSON>. Photograph courtesy <PERSON>, used with permission. Photo credit: <PERSON> for www.causeaneffect.co
Trinidad and Tobago, which has been grappling with increasing cases of gender-based violence and femicide, is still reeling over the murder of teenager <PERSON>, who was stabbed to death after being abducted by the driver of a private hire (PH) taxi on November 29.
Since then, online discussion has been rife over the tendency to victim-blame and put the onus on women to protect themselves, as opposed to focusing on changing the culture and socialisation of men.
One comedian decided to start pushing for that shift to happen in a rather unconventional way. On Facebook, <PERSON>, better known as <PERSON>, has published a series of scenarios, presented in local parlance, that play as reverse sexual harassment. The impact of this unexpected role reversal has emphasised the absurdity of what women are made to endure in the hyper-masculine Caribbean culture.
Via WhatsApp, <PERSON> chatted with Global Voices about the gravity of gender-based violence and why she believes that humour is a good way to jump-start productive public discussion on the issue.
<PERSON> (JMF): Was this series inspired by the most recent spate of femicides or is this a theme you have been mulling over for a while now?
<PERSON> (SDT): As a survivor of both domestic violence and rape, I have been vocal over the last few years about the injustice women face and the inability of our current system to protect women from harm or worse, murder. The “reverse harassment” posts were not planned. I just got fed up of saying the same things so I switched it up and just started doing sarcastic posts about the situation.
<PERSON>: Each of your instalments has attracted hundreds of likes, comments and shares. What kind of discussion did you want to get going?
SDT: When I realised the first post started gaining traction, the others were done with the hope of sparking discussions about the harassment women experience and the kind of attitudes we encounter that we need men to revisit and review in themselves and their friends.
<PERSON>: Some people seem to be missing the point though.
<PERSON>: The people who did not get it were in the minority and did not have an impact on me continuing. I felt like more people understood where I was coming from so I did not hesitate to keep sharing the posts.
<PERSON>: How disturbing is it to you that most women can identify with some measure of what you speak about in these scenarios?
<PERSON>: Very disturbing but not surprising. In conversations with friends, I have heard so many women talk about these situations with men that I already knew many others would have similar experiences and stories.
<PERSON>: Tell us about your journey to becoming a comedian. 550
Your brand of humour always seems to address serious issues by presenting truths in non-threatening ways. Why is this important to you, and as a woman in what remains a macho society, do you feel a responsibility to provoke thought to a greater degree than a male comedian might?
SDT: I started doing stand-up in 2017, as a creative outlet to help me cope and explore topics that had affected or impacted my life. I have some superficial stuff mixed in but try to explore aspects of mental health and domestic violence prevention and abuse when I can. I don't think much about it in terms of a responsibility but hope my messages sink in for those who can relate.
<PERSON>: How do you tap into this ability to place yourself in the midst of an issue, yet find a way to witness the injustice through laughter?
<PERSON>: I really don't overthink things. If something is going on that I want to talk about, I just do it spur of the moment and from my perspective.
<PERSON>: Is there a difference between <PERSON> and <PERSON>? How do you draw the line?
<PERSON>: Huge difference. <PERSON> is a stage name and a different personality. <PERSON> is loud and funny and all about the public life. <PERSON> [is] who I am as a person. I am a loner and like to be in quiet spaces where I can hear my own thoughts. People are usually surprised when they meet me and realise that <PERSON> can be “turned off,” and that I am mostly serious and able to speak on a range of topics that are not necessarily funny, but hold importance. That's why aside from comedy, I have been trying to do more public speaking and motivational speaking engagements because I enjoy talking to people in different settings. 547