Friday, January 30, 2015
Offensive humor-Leigh Ward
There are many instances in which people get offended by racist/sexist/prejudice comments made by others. Today in class we discussed offensive humor, and some insinuated that it was never appropriate. I believe that it is sometimes inappropriate, but should not be forbidden or frowned upon indefinitely. With that being said, I would never advise someone to go up to strangers or acquaintances throwing out racial puns, because they will undoubtedly take it the wrong way. Also, I am not condoning prejudices in any way. If someone can appreciate the UNDERLYING humor of a racist/sexist/homophobic joke (thus ultimately making fun of the ignorance of some that actually think in a prejudice way against others) then I believe it is completely appropriate, and a sign of multiculturalism in some way. What are your reasons of agreeing or disagreeing with this argument?
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I agree with your argument 100%. Everyone makes sexist and racists jokes whether they want to admit it or not but when it gets to the point where it is totally offensive and makes the person seem racist or sexist, then it has gone too far. It also depends on the person who is around when the jokes or comments are being told because depending on their state of mind, any type of racist or sexist comment becomes offensive. Comedians do it everyday and some laugh and some are offended.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with the discussion in class. I attended a private predominantly Caucasian high school. Prejudice comments were a common way for Caucasian people, who attended there, to so-called "break the ice." "Ice breakers" would consist of fried chicken, watermelon, rap music, and etc. I can not help but smirk as I type this because it is actually funny when racial comments are made within proper context.
ReplyDeleteI think your argument is spot on, no points of disagreement here. The problem is, not everyone thinks this way. And because of this new society that we live in- the society where all the kids get trophies but no one actually wins, and the society where everyone is told that they can be anything they want, have anything they want, and do anything they want- that we have to be careful. This generation feels entitled. People get offended. People lose their jobs over these things. I've seen it, multiple times, first hand. It's ridiculous and I disagree with it, but it is what it is. There is a time and a place for the crude type of humor, but the way things are going, there soon won't be a time or a place, unless you accept that you may lose your job, and any other number of bad things. You never know who's listening, or who will run and tell on you for something that came out of your mouth. I witnessed an instance where someone secretly kept a notebook documenting all of the comments someone made; and then without confronting the individual first, took the notebook to that person's superiors. Welcome to the new world, I guess? But hey, if you know your environment and you are absolutely sure of the people you are with, I can't find any reason whatsoever to disagree with what you have to say.
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