Was this in really really bad taste, or are some people just too sensitive?

Question

I’m sitting with a bunch of people in a bar that are comparing scars and telling the stories behind them.
I point to an inch long scar on my forehead and say “From a coat hanger.” and I follow it up with “Failed abortion attempt.”

Some people thought that it was hilarious, but a few were very offended and really mad.

Am I sick, or are they over reacting?
Probably both.

I just thought of a something. This would have pissed-off the Pro-lifers also. I should have finished it with, “I was three years old when it happened. My mom felt that no one had the right to tell her what she could with her body.”

Just keep digging and eventually you will find someone to drink with.

Answer 1

Its funny. Screw them!

Answer 2

They are over-reacting. The joke was offensive, but the location of the scar points to a very bad sense of direction on your part and makes the joke appropriately self-deprecatory. It says, "I'm crude and not too bright." They should take it in the spirit in which it was offered. But you can't determine what hangups your audience will have unless you know them very well. (Start by judging your demographic--mostly female audience is more likely to be offended by that joke, because there's a higher chance that one of them has had a failed abortion attempt or knows someone who has.)

Answer 3

well, abortion is a pretty sensitive subject to some people these days, but you were just making a joke, and you didn't mean any harm. i think they were over reacting a tad, it's not like you were making fun of the issue, or meant any harm. it might be safe to just keep controversial issue jokes reserved for people you know will enjoy them, and not take them the wrong way.

Answer 4

I think a little of both. It wasn't funny and some people are really sensitive on the abortion topic.

Answer 5

Over-reacting.

I don't know what could be offensive about it. I mean, seriously, what was the offending concept? Were they pro-life?

I don't think they truly thought through their own feelings of being offended.

Unless maybe they have had abortions and don't want to think about it?

Answer 6

Anytime you bring up the topic of abortion, you are going to stir up feelings ranging from guilt to hostility.
I got the humor although it is gallows and a good friend may overlook the subject. Try something different next time........smile

good luck & happy v day

Answer 7

Depends entirely on who was in the group. Some groups, you gotta stick with "knock knock" jokes. And there are only a select few for whom the dead baby punchlines will not offend. Learn your audience--just like any comedian.

Answer 8

Yeah, that was funny. Those who are offended are the same people that when you see them you say good morning, and the next thing you know you are in your bosses office because you are accused of sexual harassment. SCREW THEM ALL!

Answer 9

Sounds to me it was in a joking way, not to offend anyone. I think it was you getting a scar in a careless way, so you made a joke out of it. I would've laughed!

Answer 10

I think it's funny because you're making fun of yourself and not attacking others, so I really don't understand why people got offended.

I laughed!

Answer 11

I thought it was rather funny. Some people wouldn't, of course, as your experience suggests, but some people don't like asparagus or knock-knock jokes.

That's what makes it a horse race.