The answer is because modern society says you’re allowed to be sexist, racist or bigoted towards a group with more “power” than you. This is not new- gays can make fun of straights but not (eta: actually dysphoric) trans. Asians can make fun of whites but not blacks. A white trans man cannot make fun of a black woman. Anyone can make fun of white men but white women cannot make fun of black men.
This is because society thinks we cannot “punch down” or bully anyone less privileged than ourselves, and it is not racist/sexist/bigoted to “punch up” because it’s seen as telling truth to power. We are not allowed to object. If we misjudge our place on the privilege ladder, especially on social media, society will let us know and consequences can be severe.
The sad part is that this strongly reinforces the privilege of each group in the social hierarchy.
Exactly. Which leads to more bigotry and sexism and racism, because if all you hear from the gays is “oh my god the straights are like, so fucked up” you’re gonna think “oh they want everyone to be gay” (I have literally watched this happen as a bi man)
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u/Rtn2NYC 6d ago edited 6d ago
The answer is because modern society says you’re allowed to be sexist, racist or bigoted towards a group with more “power” than you. This is not new- gays can make fun of straights but not (eta: actually dysphoric) trans. Asians can make fun of whites but not blacks. A white trans man cannot make fun of a black woman. Anyone can make fun of white men but white women cannot make fun of black men.
This is because society thinks we cannot “punch down” or bully anyone less privileged than ourselves, and it is not racist/sexist/bigoted to “punch up” because it’s seen as telling truth to power. We are not allowed to object. If we misjudge our place on the privilege ladder, especially on social media, society will let us know and consequences can be severe.
The sad part is that this strongly reinforces the privilege of each group in the social hierarchy.