Author:
Secular Monkey
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Date Posted: 09:48:04 01/07/02 Mon
>No, I am asking why there is a double standard that if
>you belong to that faith you are allowed to say things
>in jest about it but if you don't belong to it and you
>make a comment in jest it is considered discriminative.
Hey, I have a black buddy who has no problem using the work "nigger". If you didn't know him real, real well and used it yourself, he'd prolly beat you stupid. (well, I'd prolly beat him to it). I don't really understand why he uses it himself, but I figure that in some way, he feels he's EARNED the right to use it. Same with another very close friend, who happends to be a Newfie. This guy tells the funniest Newfie jokes. I guess it boils down to if one wants to use himself, or a specific trait of himself, as the subject of ridicule, that's ok, but you better be sure of how he feels about others who bring that trait to focus.
There's a fine line between good-intentioned fun and ridicule. For example, I'm only 5'6". Not very tall, but it's never been a problem for me. I played all-star hockey, rugby, and travelled throughout Western Canada attending invitational karate tournaments. The way I percieve, and the way those close to me percieve my height is a little different than one percieving it simply based on a stereo-type. I can make a joke about it by saying "when you're my height, everybody smells the same". It's funny, in a stereotypical kind of way, but since those who know me well know that the height thing, in reality, isn't a problem, it's ok. If someone I didn't know make a comment or joke about my height, it could be percieved as an insult. Point of view is key. I've "earned" the right to make "short" jokes, 'cause I'm short, myself.
You may be able to pick up on cues from your friends about where the line is drawn between joking and taking liberties with a trait that may make them the minority in the group. If in doubt, shut yer mouth. Best way to be funny without being insulting? Make yourself the brunt of the joke. ;)
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