The Metropolis

Imperial's student newspaper admits rape is not funny, struggles to work out what is

Mike Pollitt | Friday 17 February, 2012 10:07

The editor of Felix, Matthew Colvin, writes a contrite and impressive apology for publishing a piece which suggested a recipe for making rohypnol. The offensive piece (and it is offensive – this isn’t one of those faux-offensive offences), can be read here.

The apology begins:

In last week’s Felix, an article was published in the Hangman section which many readers felt incited sexual violence, trivialised rape and generally contributed to the idea of a rape culture. I would like to take the opportunity to assure readers that this was in no way our intention, and we all agree that a piece of content which does this is wholly unacceptable.

It goes on:

We are now taking the time to carefully consider how any section designed with the sole intention of being humourous can feature and simultaneously exist to the same standard as the rest of this publication.

The question now facing Imperial students is this: is it possible to (try to) be funny without also inciting rape? Time will tell.

Felix – A note on last week’s hangman
Rochefoucauld tumblr – Reprint of original article

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