Are Racist and Sexist jokes ok if they are used purely in a joking manner?

[Silent Anima]

If you're telling a ****** joke while wearing a pointy white hood and lighting a cross afire...well, that's probably crossing the line...

WHAT!?! Your telling me that's a bad thing!? Shit. lol jk But yes, depending on your audience, it is ok. People nowadays are usually less prudish and even me and my friends (some of them black) like to joke with each other that all black people know each other, which they even agree to (the black ones I mean) y'know that old stereotype. In some cases it's proven to be true lol

 

[Biodeamon]

yes but only in a complete 100% joke.

 

[icame]

It really depends on the joke. There are jokes like in Get Him To The Greek where a black charecters says "You can't outrun me, I'm black!" which I think are fine, because they are funny and harmless. It is very easy to go to far when using a racist/sexist joke though...

 

[blankedboy]

Well yeah, it's a joke. Who cares? As long as they're not being a dick about it.

 

[Tibs]

If it is not offending to anyone hearing it or gives a poor impression on people then I dont think it is wrong.

OH and if it is REALLY meant as a joke.

 

[Silent Anima]

It really depends on the joke. There are jokes like in Get Him To The Greek where a black charecters says "You can't outrun me, I'm black!" which I think are fine, because they are funny and harmless. It is very easy to go to far when using a racist/sexist joke though...

They should have jumped into a pool lol As long as we are on the subject

 

[LordSnakeEyes]

It's all okay without bad intent.
But beware, more ignorant folk without the capacity to understand tone may misunderstand and make you look bad.

 

[LausDeoSemper]

I think so, I don't see the harm in it.
If I'm around a mate it can offend though I will ask if he/she is ok with it.
If it is meant to offend the person then no, just don't say it.

 

[Swifteye]

I read from a joke book that jokes that can hurt people should only be done in the company of people who understand and will not be offended. Seeing as most places don't want you to say offensive things because of the wild variable of how random people might react (sure it's funny but a emotional scar is still none the less painful) it's always best not to do it unless your a shock jock comedian in which case. I guess make sure you come off intelligent less you be carlos mencia.

 

[Magicman10893]

As long as it really is a joke, compared to someone who is actually racist/sexist/homophobic and using the joke as to mask their real feelings.

 

[Ice Car]

Yes it is. In fact one of the local comedians in Hawaii, Frank De Lima, primarily uses ethnic (Not racial or sexist, but it's in the general area) jokes for his comedy, and even though they are often stereotyping and possibly offensive, it is very obviously in jest and literally no one, even the parties being addressed, are offended and often find it funny. Of course, someone eventually has to be offended, and IIRC it did happen.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_De_Lima

You might not get a good amount of jokes or even understand some of the language (Pidgin English) if you are not familiar with the culture in Hawaii or the atmosphere. He often makes jokes, usually in the form of songs, on local events or happenings. These usually aren't ethnicity-related though.

 

[Richard Po]

That depends, if the joke is around mature people that know better then sure a joke it a joke. But, on the other if the joke is pass by immature people who can't tell joke from fact then yes it is harmful. Ignorence is anyfrom bliss and stupid joke just make the stupid more stupid for lack of a better phrase.

 

[w00tage]

No. No it is not. Even if you're friends with someone of a different race, even if you've dated people of that race, even if you make a joke that a) is about your friend who is of that race and physically present, b) is not racially insulting at all, c) has everyone of all races in the room laughing (including other, non-friend members of that same race),

but d) uses words that that some members of that race finds offensive from others (even though they freely use it among themselves) for the delivery of the joke...

... it can and will be held against you. Officially, as in on official records. And that's pretty much forever now.

So no. Don't do it. Regardless if no one else will be hurt by it, YOU can, and for a long, long time after the moment has passed. Just drop the thought and wait until another joke comes along.

 

[Grabbin Keelz]

If everyone's cool with it, its cool.

 

[Choppaduel]

Well what does "OK" mean? People may still think you're sexist for saying it, even as a joke, while others will think it only a joke, and not representative of your beliefs. What matters is what you actually believe, which you should make clear, especially if you're going to go crack sexist jokes.

 

[A random person]

My friends and I make racist and sexist jokes frequently, so I'd say yes. Of course, the basis of their humor is that they're utterly absurd.

 

[Naix99]

Its ok, until its not anymore.

 

[ERase]

Many people just say"Don't be so serious,it's just a joke",but bad jokes surely hurt certain people.All jokes that is intended to making fun of kind people should be avoided.

 

[UberNoodle]

Jokes have to come from the right place. It's a simple rule. If your motivation is to hurt or disparage others, then you've broken the rule. If your motivation is ignorance, then you've broken the rule.

And, 'It was just a joke' is not a pass against responsibility for your own words and actions. Regardless of your intent, if you hurt somebody, that's at least partly your responsibility, and you should take that responsibility. It doesn't make you 'wrong' or mean you are pandering to anybody. It just means that you accept that other people live in this world as well and they are possibly affected by your own actions within it.

Whether those people accept your explanation or attempts to take responsibility is their own matter. If you haven't broken the rules above, that is. Besides that, you must possess the eloquence, respect and care required to communicate. If somebody doesn't understand your words and their intent, chances are it's because you inadequately expressed yourself.

 

[magnuslion]

Nothing wrong with it at all.

As long as no one gets offended

No. absolutely not. If you want to get offended about something that has nothing to do with you, be my guest. But do not infringe on my right to free speech because you are "easily offended".