John Matthews: > whats the point? He was only joking................. :-) ........ I'll add this to my substantial collection of similar justifications. Here's a bunch culled from another controvery on the LUG: Hendrik Jan Veenstra... > If you don't like a joke, then simply ignore it... Mark [something or other]... > please, I was joking ... Yavuz AKYAZICI... > May be it was just a joke. Dennis Gunn... > what is it about feminism that makes women didactic and humor illegal. The problem with this argument is that humor is NOT harmless. To give three examples: - It can create an atmosphere in which the worst individuals feel comfortable perpetrating hate crimes. This is a pervasive problem at all levels of society for homosexuals. - It can bog down a target individual in internalized prejudice and self-doubt. This remains a classic problem for women. - It can foster underlying discriminatory practices that the discriminating individuals are often not even aware of. Here in the United States, companies often give their employees "sensitivity training" to prevent situations in which the company may be held liable for creating a "hostile work environment." Any member of any group can run afoul of this problem, including members of majority groups. John Matthews again... > all nations have little jokey jibes about each others customs and culture, for > 99.99% of people , they dont really mean it, One time I was eating dinner with an Indian friend at an Indian restaurant and I made a light-hearted remark about how uncivilized it was to forego silverware and eat with your bare hands. I am fortunate that my dinner companion chose to rebuke my brusque, ethnocentric comment with the same conciliatory firmness that KA B just exhibited. I think I can guess how Phil feels... > (just make sure you dont vote for the 0.01% who do) That isn't enough. Problematic attitudes have to be challenged in everyday life by ordinary people. > ........personally, I think Spain and Hungary are both great countries with > great people, I expect they make jokes about the English or the Americans as > well........ Maybe, but those individuals of the world who strive for a higher standard don't have to imitate the bad habits of ignorant individuals from other societies. I expect that there are lots of people in Spain and Hungary who cherish the same cosmopolitan ideals that I cherish. Cheers, -- Marvin Humphrey Mastering Engineer and Graphic Designer, emeritus Mr. Toad's, San Francisco, California, USA CD design website - http://marvin.mrtoads.com
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Re: [L-OT] Political correctness, and sense of humour
2000-12-17 by Marvin Humphrey