This article discusses domestic violence and may be disturbing for some readers. The Kingston Sexual Assault Centre’s 24-hour crisis and support phone line can be reached at 613-544-6424 / 1-800-544-6424.
Matt Rife is too comfortable targeting those most credited with supporting his career.
Rife opens his new comedy special Natural Selection by making light of domestic violence. In the now-viral “joke,” Rife recalls encountering a hostess at a restaurant who had a black eye. In response to his friend remarking she should be working in the kitchen where nobody could see her, Rife replied she likely wouldn’t have the bruise if she could cook, implying the hostess’ black eye was a sign of domestic violence, incited by her inability to cook.
The purpose of comedy is levity. Domestic violence isn’t funny, particularly when invoked only to make a joke at the expense of its survivors. If the hostess Rife encountered was indeed a survivor of domestic violence, his dig levelled further aggression against her instead of helping her.
Domestic violence is underreported and rarely results in conviction, meaning it’s far more common than many may realize or care to think about. Individuals watching Rife’s special in-person or streaming it at home could easily be survivors of domestic abuse themselves. A joke that not only makes light of their trauma but posits their role in causing it is immeasurably harmful—both for them and for people with no understanding of domestic violence.
Prior to this controversy, Rife was chiefly known by internet users for the clips of fan-interactions from his shows he posts to his social media accounts. In these clips, which he posts to attract crowds to his shows, Rife primarily interacts with female audience members. His career growth has depended upon female fans.
Some theorize Rife’s edginess and jokes at the expense of women in Natural Selection are an attempt to appeal to more male fans.
Critics have previously attributed Rife’s success to his appearance over his comedy, citing his primarily female fanbase as evidence. Potentially having come to fear the truth of their criticism may have prompted Rife to try to attract male viewers.
Equally likely is that Rife is perpetuating the misogynistic tendency of dismissing artists and activities mostly supported by women—romance novels, pop music, and fashion are all trivialized because they’re considered feminine interests. Endorsing the belittlement of activities solely because women enjoy them betrays a belief in their inferiority.
Rife isn’t only complacent in his misogyny, as other jokes in his special target women. His eagerness to mock female audience members, despite having so readily engaged with them to grow his career, deviates from the allyship many fans previously credited him for.
Both the original joke and Rife’s response suggest he was never as benevolent as he allowed fans to believe. In response to online outcry about the joke, Rife posted to his story urging fans he offended to follow a link to see his apology. The link led to helmets for those with special needs.
Just as frustrating is that this scandal will likely result in more benefits than reflection for Rife. Comedy has proven itself to be a safe space for insensitive, rich, white men many times over.
Dark humour is still attainable, but misogyny and violence must no longer pass as funny.
—Journal Editorial Board
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