Humour is one of the most subjective things in the world. I think everyone has heard a joke & laughed, even though it was racist/sexist/ageist etc.? Sometimes the fact a joke IS wrong & politically incorrect sometimes makes it funnier.
However, I concur jokes CAN be offensive and hurtful. Personally I feel jokes relating to a recent tragedy are wrong eg a joke about the university killings (because its recent maybe?)
Jokes on the other hand, can provide political satire - South Park, on one level, IS childish and offensive, but on another level is very clever and amusing satire of politics, people and the world.
Sometimes we really cant understand why someone would be offended at a joke, the response to the cartoon of Muhammed in a Danish newspaper for instance I felt was a massive over reaction, but people were sincere in their anger.
This is a long & complex question, 1000 characers to ask wont do it justice, but how can we decide what it is ok to joke about and laugh at?
2007-04-19 03:39:50 · 7 answers · asked by Caffeine Fiend 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
It's quite simple really - Everything and everyone is fair game, that way there is no prejudice.
2007-04-19 03:46:23 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Look, I'm Irish (I mean from Ireland, not 3 generations removed in Illinois) and find my counrtymen come up with the best Irish jokes ( vide Dave Allen etc.). So why do I find Irish jokes offensive from others?
I think it's sad that people feel constrained by PC but fully appreciate the difference between a funny joke and an offensive generalisation. I have never been a terrorist therefore 'jokes' about Irish terrorism that assume all we paddys are psychotic are offensive in the extreme. Please tell them if you want, but I will be leaving the room with a grudge. I'm sure muslims feel this way when their religion is used as an excuse to make tasteless jokes intended to demonise rather than celebrate religious piety.
I think a reasonable person with appropriate discretion can decide if a joke is funny or offensive. If it's a joke about something one doesn't understand - Islam, perhaps - then maybe it should be left unsaid.
Doesn't help a bit does it?
2007-04-19 11:27:26 · answer #2 · answered by J S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hate to say this, but I think it is true- if you are a minority, go ahead and say WHATEVER comes to mind; if you are white, esp. a white man, be very careful or jack@sses like sharpton and jackson will lead a parade to your door with torches in hand.
2007-04-19 10:52:49 · answer #3 · answered by dr schmitty 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No matter what, there will always be something that will offend someone. If you must tell a joke, just pick your audience carefully.
2007-04-19 10:46:54 · answer #4 · answered by tangerine 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well after looking at the long list of politically correct things we are not supposed to say OR talk about. ..let me see. i think it is pretty safe to joke about overripe apples and hard boiled eggs..
2007-04-19 11:45:58 · answer #5 · answered by Homer 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
People just need to learn and laugh at themselves! Respect others.
2007-04-19 10:54:05 · answer #6 · answered by Meshel 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
say what you want and let the fist land on who they my .
2007-04-19 10:44:05 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋