During their press tour Chris Evans and Jeremy Renner called Black Widow a slut as a joke, ha ha.
Whyyyyyyy? I liked you guys so much. It's clear from your tone that you think it's a funny joke to call Black Widow, the only female protagonist in The Avengers franchise, a slut, a whore and a trick, but it is actually really abrasive and off-putting.
This is the kind of "joke" that shows how deep-rooted and scary misogyny can be. Even the men we love, and admire, can surprise us with something ugly. These guys don't really see Black Widow as some big slut because she ends up with Bruce Banner in this iteration of the film's love drama. But that's the first thing they went to as an off-the-cuff answer to a simple question. Super bummer.
Lots of fans are unhappy about it too:
WHAT THE FUCKING FUCK. I used to like you two assholes.#ChrisEvans#JeremyRennerhttp://t.co/Sgc3orMoJE
— Julie (@julietaube) April 23, 2015
Seeing Chris Evans/Captain America and Jeremy Renner/Hawkeye/Clint referring to Black Widow as a trick/slut/whore. UNBELIEVABLE.
— VixenVarsity.com (@MizCaramelVixen) April 23, 2015
I'm actually really fucking appalled and disappointed with jeremy renner and chris evans in that interview with the ableism and slut-shaming
— evan | 146 (@halseyadeux) April 23, 2015
2 men calling a woman a slut and whore is sexist. Jeremy Renner and Chris Evans made a sexist joke. Intent does not erase impact!
— Jeanne (@fangirlJeanne) April 23, 2015
Considering how few female superheroes are being given mainstream movie vehicles, we need our men in capes to step it up with their awareness, respect and support. You want Black Widow to have your back, you better have hers.