Cate has recently discussed how complicated the issue of rape can be, and in light of that - what are we to make of The Onion’s new comedy clip entitled ‘Missing girl probably raped?’ The video parodies the kind of news coverage that such terrible personal tragedies receive in the US, though it’s so authentic that at moments it seems eerily realistic. It was intended as a timely poke at the media for sensationalising issues such as rape in their pursuit of headlines and their careless dismissal and impatience with facts, but I wonder whether this is a subject ripe for humour. As one of the last taboos, can we expect controversial comics to work the issue into their material in a bid to shock and make a name for themselves and if so – who will be laughing?
The video wants people to laugh at the ludicrous journalists reporting the case, but with some viewers this message could be lost or misinterpreted. Similar to the Brass Eye backlash regarding paedophilia – are the comics focussed enough to avoid any confusion or could the issue of rape be incorrectly identified as the joke? Leave a comment and let us know what you think – whether you found it funny, offensive or just plain uncomfortable.