/ 17 July 2013

M&G Hangout: Is a rape joke ever acceptable in SA?

M&g Hangout: Is A Rape Joke Ever Acceptable In Sa?

It wasn't the brutal rape and murder of Duduzile Zozo but the Facebook updates of two men who work for lad-mag FHM that made South Africans stop for a moment to examine the country's problem with rape culture.

There were calls for disciplinary action and dismissal after FHM features editor Max Barashenkov suggested "correctional rape and sterilisation for any white person who twerks" on his private Facebook account and writer Montle Moroosi followed up saying "rape can be quite fun if executed in a romantic manner. Like saying ‘i love you’ before slipping a roofie in her earl grey tea".

FHM editor Brendan Cooper said the pair, who were later suspended, were "actually nice boys" but that having the comments linked to his brand had him "absolutely furious". This only led to further outrage.

Was the publication more concerned about the damage the comments was doing to its brand, or about the fact that two young men who work for it hold and broadcast such attitudes?

Meanwhile, some defended the pair's right to free speech, particularly as the comments were made on their private accounts.

Join us live at 10.30am on Friday as we speak with communication strategist Sarah Britten and Mail & Guardian social media editor Haji Dawjee about the FHM incident, rape culture and the perils of making discriminatory statements in life and on social media.

Post your questions in the comment section below, or on Twitter using the tag #MGhangout. You can also tell us what you think on Facebook and Google+.

You can also join us during the interview to ask your questions via video, using Google Hangouts. Get in touch via email if you're interested.

See our previous live videos here.