A Scottish Comedian’s Video On Male Accountability Has Gone Viral After Sarah Everard’s Murder
"Instead of having this fucking hero complex and being like ‘I’m going to beat up a rapist.’ Fucking prevent one. Stop one."
In the wake of Sarah Everard’s murder, there have been a number of conversations happening around women’s safety and the role that men play in perpetuating harm against women.
CW: This post touches on sexual assault, rape and murder
During these conversations, an old monologue by Scottish comedian, Daniel Sloss, has resurfaced and gone viral for its important message about male accountability.
The clip, which comes from Sloss’ 2019 comedy show X pushes the idea that it’s not enough for men to not rape. Instead, Sloss talks about the importance of men being part of the solution, which includes holding their own friends accountable for their actions, too.
“97 percent of rapists will not spend a single day in jail. That is a real statistic. That is fucking abhorrent,” the comedian started his monologue, before wondering what society could do to fix the clear problem at hand. “The only thing I can think of is that it has to involve us. And by us, I mean men.”
“I knew this man for eight years, and he fucking did it,” Sloss said. “There are monsters amongst us, and they look like us. If you are sick of the narrative that’s currently going on about men feel free to change it, but you have to get involved.”
“Don’t make the same mistake I did for years, which was just sitting back and being like: ‘Well I’m not part of the problem, therefore I must be part of the solution.’ ‘Cause that’s just not how this fucking shit works,” he continued. “I believe, and deep down I know, that most men are good. Of course we are. But when one in ten men are shit and the other nine do nothing, they might as well not fucking be there.”
Daniel Sloss’ video has gone viral during a tense time for women, after the remains of 33-year-old Sarah Everard were found in the UK.
Wayne Couzens, a London Metropolitan Police officer, has since been charged with kidnap and murder after Everard vanished while walking home from a friend’s home in South London on March 3.
The 33-year-old’s untimely death has prompted global outcry from women who are tired of feeling unsafe and living in fear of men. In response, a number of March 4 Justice rallies have been organised across Australia as women protest against gendered violence.
If you need support, both Lifeline on 13 11 14 and the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 offer 24-hour assistance. For further information about youth mental health, both Headspace and Reach Out can provide guidance. You can also talk to a medical professional or someone you trust.
[Image: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images]