With the newest edition of Yucaipa High School’s Thunderstruck, controversy has arisen regarding statements made by the anchors during the SNL-themed segment. In particular, a comment made by Jack Fry, “unfortunately they don’t have cute little skirts like girls’ tennis” has been interpreted by some as inappropriate or suggestive. However, the intent behind this statement was not to target or demean girls’ tennis, but rather to make a self-aware joke about the boys’ team and common stereotypes associated with male tennis players. If the Boys Tennis Team has action taken against them, then why can the dance team or girls tennis team not have action taken against them? If you havent noticed at rallies, the majority of people stare at their phones or the ground because of the suggestive dances the girls do with and on eachother. Why is the dance team able to "twerk" but we cant make a joke about boys wearing skirts? Not directly associated with our argument but still a point to be made, Powderpuff, gender roles are switched where girls get to wear football equipment that are safe and covering while boys have no choice but to wear short shorts and short tops in order to participate in a public school event.

Before forming conclusions, it is important to recognize that humor between groups-especially in a school setting-is often mutual. Jokes are frequently made by students of all genders about one another, including comments directed at boys’ teams and male students in general. The current criticism, however, highlights only one side, creating a double standard that does not reflect the reality of a co-educational environment like Yucaipa High School.

Additionally, tennis as a sport has long been associated with stereotypes regarding masculinity, particularly for male players. The comment in question was intended to play on those stereotypes in a lighthearted and self-directed way. If students are allowed to joke about these stereotypes in one direction but not the other, it creates an imbalance in what is considered acceptable humor.

It is also important to address another point of controversy involving Senior Truston Hodge and a Freshman Tennis Player . It has been assumed that the Freshman holds feelings for Truston due to rumors that have circulated. The Freshman reportedly spread a claim that the two had kissed and shared mutual feelings. This claim is not true and was meant as a joke. Truston has clearly stated that he does not agree with the age gap between them and does not have any feelings for her.

A statement by Truston Hodge, "First off, snl, I recommend you watch it and see how the jokes on thunderstruck compare to the ones on snl Secondly, the boys tennis jokes, I personally did not write them, and as a member of the boys tennis team, I found them extremely hilarious, it’s true that (freshman) had made rumors in the past, I won’t get into that right now, just know we on thunderstruck had every parties consent to air the joke, every joke on thunderstruck."

The purpose of this response is not to dismiss anyone’s feelings, but to encourage a more balanced perspective. The Thunderstruck episode was clearly framed as an SNL-style segment, which is widely understood to include exaggerated and comedic content. The statements made were intended as jokes, not as serious commentary or attacks.

Rather than escalating the situation, we ask that those who feel offended consider both intent and context. Open dialogue and fairness are essential in maintaining a respectful and unified school community.

Thank you.

For the Thunderstruck episode please use the link provided below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HThZaDGRPwI