Racism and Sexism in Vines

The other day, I was watching Vines on Facebook and I came across one called How Guys Work on Cars vs How Girls Work on Cars. It shows a relatively normal looking young man working on a car engine with him saying “How guys work on cars.” The short video cuts to him in drag with a blonde wig saying, “How girls work on cars.” With a weak whimper, he hits part of the engine with a hammer and a hose that had been hooked up to the engine briefly sprays water into his face.

I laughed. A lot. I even shared it with my family and friends. However, now that I think about it, it was very sexist. It implies that only guys can fix cars, and girls only mess things up. From experience, I know this to totally not be true. Girls and guys, if trained properly have the ability to work on cars equally.

Another very common type of video I see is racism. It is usually from a person of any race or color making fun of themselves and others. Although, some might say something along the lines of, “He’s black so it’s okay to be racist.” or “He’s only joking. Don’t take it too seriously.”, is it right? They justify making slave jokes or ethnic slurs with the excuse of comedy. Sometimes it is funny, but recently from what I've seen in these videos, it takes it a step too far.

This type of media is readily available almost everywhere. On YouTube, Facebook, Instagram: these short 6 second homemade videos are gaining popularity by the minute. Is it positive to send out such sexist and racist messages? Is it okay to use the term “gay” as an insult? No matter who does them, or how funny they are?

It might seem harmless and comedic, but it is shaping whole generations. Into what it is shaping, I don’t know, but usually “implanting” racism, sexism, bullying, and lack of empathy into the minds of young people has bad consequences based on events and societies in the past. (Think Nazi Germany and the United States in the 60's)


       People should stop to think before supporting racism and sexism. Everyone should be considered equal and people should be taught tolerance and acceptance. In normal circumstances, like everyday conversation, speaking like they do in Vines would be unacceptable.

Equality!