top of page

Why Deadpool's sense of humor is deeply problematic, sexist and dangerous


I saw the trailer and couldn't believe my eyes - what happened to the times when superheroes could be looked up to as upstanding, strong, rigtheous individuals. What happened to the time when superheroes didn't act like tipsy fratboys and didn't make problematic jokes about women and LGBTQ-folk? What happened to the time when the Patriarchy didn't show its nasty face in every frame of a movie, goading anyone who isn't a cis/straight/white and making them feel uncomfortable and left out? I'm sorry to have to touch on the subject of superheroes again, I don't usually like talking about neckbeard stuff, but this time I really have to say something. It doesn't suprise me - not in the least, that Marvel are pumping out another flick that spits in the face of all those who care about human rights and equality. After disasters such as Superman and Antman, Marvel is really digging a fucking hole in the eyes of anyone who is not a racist backwoods hick. But this time, they have truly outdone themselves, and even though the movie isn't out yet, I can tell that this is going to be a carnival of sexism. I am talking of course, of Deadpool. Deadpool is a superhero that really doesn't have any superpowers aside from being good at fighting (with ninjaswords that he has appropriated from Asian culture no less), but what really sets him apart from the other slew of crime fighting fucktards, is his edgy so-called "sense of humor". It can be spotted in the trailer and it is of course, undeniably, very problematic.

Humor itself is a sexist phenomenon invented by the Patriarchy and has been used for centuries to put down, enslave and mock people of color, women and transfolk. The Patriarchy dictates what people are supposed to think is funny and since the Patriarchy still rules everyone's minds, all humor in today's society is deeply sexist and problematic. Humor is often used as a means to oppress minorities and the omnipresent "it's just a joke" excuse is always blurted out in an attempt to defend oppression and belittle those who have been triggered by the so called "joke". Deadpool as a character embraces some sort of juvenile, chauvinistic, frat-boyish sense of humor and displays it readily in the trailer. He makes remarks about a woman, comparing her to Rosie O'Donnel, a wonderful gay woman with a good head on her shoulders, he talks about his testicles, as if he wants to rub in the face of Female-To-Male transpeople that he has a set of balls when they don't, and he also makes a very abelist joke about losing body parts like his brain and his testicles. All this within the space of three minutes. If you don't see the problem here then fuck off.

This movie will, when it hits cinemas in 2016, contribute to a climate where people will think its okay to make jokes in the presence of minorities and will no doubt incite those who exert violence against oppressed communities. Deadpools nonchalant, catchphrasey appearance on the bigscreen will lead other white men to use violence against minorities under the guise of "humor" and will make it seem okay to laugh at jokes about sexism. This film is dangerous, problematic and very sexist and is only a tool to further the Patriarchy and make billions off the backs of Women, Transfolk and LGBTQ individuals.

I want everyone to BOYCOTT the movie in 2016 and you can already show your discontent under the hashtag which I'm officially starting now and which will hopefully trend: #NotFunnyDeadpool

bottom of page