I say CLAP you say BACK. CLAP?
It is time we take a stand. It is time to clap-back. You know that feeling when someone makes a sexist joke and it makes your BLOOD BOIL but for the life of you, you just can’t think of a great comeback to shut them up?! Well, Bold Voices are here to offer you, non-violent (!), sassy and simple clap-backs that will not only shut down an aggressor but leave them feeling ashamed and wanting to gobble up the bullsh*t they just spat out.
#1 “Explain why that’s funny” (A Bold Voices favourite)
Why should it fall down to us to explain why we don’t find sexist jokes funny? … it’s boring and it’s often obvious. This clap-back puts the emphasis on the aggressor to explain away their bad joke, trapping them between a big old rock and an equally as hard, hard place. Say that after a stupid joke and then sit back and relish in the inevitable onslaught of um’s and ah’s. Any explanation they attempt to provide will overtly confirm their sexist views, which most are unlikely to release to the general public, and quite frankly there is no other way around it.
#2 Fact checking
What better way to clap-back than with hard knowledge and witty intelligence? Having said that, I’m sure I am not the only one who can take 5-7 business days to come up with a beautifully articulate, long-winded monologue riddled with big words in response to whatever was thrown at me. What if you had a couple of fun feminist facts and figures in your arsenal to whip out at short notice? This is guaranteed to shut down any hater. (Head to the BV Instagram for some good’uns to get you started…) Let’s never forget, confidence is key – so, say whatever it is with a bit of gusto and more likely than not no one will know you’ve just pulled that 2011 consensus data out of thin air.
#3 The CWC tactic (Confuse with Confusion – an original BV term)
This one is a personal favourite of mine, but I must warn you, a poker face is required. The CWC tactic is perfectly demonstrated by this fabulous tweet by @voledenortsbicep.
A virtual round of applause for this performance (as well as the creative twitter handle), thank you.
#4 Ignore & report
I know, I know, I did say clap-backs, but often silence stings the most. We know these aggressors are simply after attention (despite their ridiculous attempt to flip this narrative). Not reacting is a great way to deny them the outcome they were after. Of course, if at all possible, report report report. Let’s hold people responsible for their actions. It’s possible that by reporting we’re making sure it’s the last person they put in this position. We need to have each other's backs, always.
#5 Killing with kindness
In all of the above, if at all possible, we should try to remain composed (cool, calm and collected some may say) despite how much we’re being tested. Maintaining a level of decorum will help keep the situation at a simmer avoiding a potential rolling boil (mandatory pasta reference). This will confuse the silly perpetrator who is seeking only to aggravate. Understandably, you may find yourself in a situation where there is more at stake; tensions and emotions are running high and quite frankly, you are p*ssed. I get it, trust me! In that case, they probably deserve whatever is coming for them. In all of this, let's channel our inner Michelle Obamas and “go high when they go low”. Even though it may be hard at times, avoiding firing back insults is imperative to the effectiveness of a quality clap-back. The last thing we want to do is embody their ignorance.
All jokes aside, these clap-backs are far better suited for familiar faces in a familiar territory. Your safety is always the most important, therefore, don’t use clap-backs if you are feeling at all threatened or unsafe in any way. In those instances, please find help or remove yourself from the situation entirely.
Woah – heavy but mandatory PSA out of the way, I truly hope these clap-backs will prove to be successful for you. If you need another reason why at BV we love clap-backs remember that not only does a great feminist clap-back put silly misogynists back in their box, it is also a great way of enacting ally-ship. You don’t have to be the target of a comment to clap-back.
It’s unfortunate but I am sure you will probably encounter an appropriate situation for their use sooner rather than later and if so, we would absolutely love to hear back from you. Were you successful in shutting down a patriarchal subscriber? Have you got any personal favourites? Feel free to slide into @hearthisboldvoice ‘s DMs on Instagram or contact us here.