Episode #07: No laughing matter

“It’s just a ‘harmless’ joke!” How many times have we heard that excuse used to brush off offensive comments online? But what if those seemingly harmless jokes are actually a powerful tool for perpetuating racism?

This episode explores the disturbing phenomenon of “disparagement humour” on Brazilian social media, focusing specifically on how it targets upwardly mobile Black women (i.e., women who are breaking down barriers and challenging ingrained societal norms).

We delve into how this type of humour, often disguised as light-hearted banter, actually reveals deep-seated colonial ideologies that continue to shape Brazilian society despite the widely promoted idea of a “post-racial” nation.

We’ll discuss how these online jokes, often shared and amplified within online echo chambers, work to undermine Black women’s achievements, reinforce harmful stereotypes, and maintain existing power structures.

Join us as we unpack the hidden messages behind these “jokes” and explore their real-world impact.

For additional information, read the book, which is available for purchase from the publisher’s website and several major bookstores around the world: https://vernonpress.com/book/861