Subject:  Re: gotta tread lightly |
Author:
Brannon
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Date Posted: 13:54:46 01/07/02 Mon
In reply to:
Secular Monkey
's message, "gotta tread lightly" on 09:48:04 01/07/02 Mon
>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. ;)
You make a very good point and I never looked at it from the point of view as, "Here's this guy I never met making jokes about my religion" I wouldn't probably feel as strongly as he did but now that I look at it from his point of view he was in some respects right. I should have watched how strongly I make my jokes. For when you look like me people laughing comes naturally. For I am Brannon master of all that is funny.........looking.
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