Fansided

Comic minstrel Dustin Penner makes a rape joke (NSFW)

By Luke Dahlgren

Mar 5, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Dustin Penner (17) against the Philadelphia Flyers during the first period at Wells Fargo Center. The Flyers defeated the Capitals, 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Capitals left wing Dustin Penner (17) against the Philadelphia Flyers during the first period at Wells Fargo Center. The Flyers defeated the Capitals, 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The free agent forward has been pulled from TSN’s coverage of the NHL’s trade deadline.

On his Twitter description, unemployed NHL journeyman Dustin Penner describes himself as a “professional lightning rod” and “comedic enthusiast”, while stating “comedy is not subjective, you’re just not funny”.

Last night, Penner attempted to live up to his comic self-billing with a little relationship humor on Twitter.

Good one. Well, apparently people have issues with rape, because Penner was back on Twitter to justify and explain his joke.

"I came up with the joke with my gf U idiots freaking out about this."

"Is it a rape joke if it’s your girlfriend? Is this even my girlfriend?!?!"

"I see the offensive side of my joke. On behalf of those who laughed, my gf & I included, I apologize. We understand we are awful people."

Penner was slated to lend his comedic chops to TSN’s coverage of the NHL trade deadline. But he has since been pulled from the coverage.

Penner spent his career bouncing around the Anaheim Ducks, Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings, and spent the tail end of last season with the Washington Capitols. Penner was a part of the 2007 Stanley Cup Champion Ducks, but never once in his career finished with more than 63 total points in a season, which he contributed in 2009-10 with the Oilers.

More from NHL

When a rape joke gains controversy, there is usually an argument over the right subjects for humor. Opponents of rape jokes (and jokes of similar gravity) want to avoid normalizing and trivializing a traumatic event like rape. A rape joke extracts joy and laughter from the misfortune of someone else, and seemingly marginalizes their pain.

On the other hand, supporters of using all sources for humor state that comedy is best used as a way to combat the evils they discuss. A well written joke brings intimate subjects to light and pushes the audience face to face with their own insecurities. A risque joke can bring an audience member more in touch with their own morality, and can either affirm it or correct it towards what is morally correct.

Comedian Dave Chappelle used a rape bit to discuss the nature of male vulnerability and the harms of stoicism to maintain masculinity.

(NSFW: Language)

With Penner’s joke, there is no need for such an argument. His is simply not funny.

In terms of the subject, the “absent-minded rapist” does a wonderful job making rape seem farcical and buffoonish, which demeans the victim.

In terms of the comedy, there has to be some sort of element of defying expectations. It’s hard to find where the actual jokes are in his tweet.

More from FanSided

Home/NHL