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Humor & Oversensitivity

There are two theories about how to win an argument with a woman. Neither one works.
Now, what was your first reaction when you read that quote? You found it funny and a smile crossed your lips? Or did you frown, started screaming that its a stereotypical statement that is offensive to women? If you belong to the first group, cool! If you belong to the second group, cool down, here is a statement that might please you.
What is the difference between men and pigs? Pigs dont turn into men when they are drunk!

No no, this post was not to trigger a venus-mars supremacy fight. I was just thinking how difficult it is to be humorous without offending anyone. And the second quote might upset not just the oversensitive men, but also the oversensitive drinkers!

Just to give a few more examples. A conversation that happened at the lunch table.
"Did you meet the new manager, he is sick"
"He is sikh (sounding as sick)? I thought he was hindu" (we all laugh)
Do you seriously think that I was trying to be demeaning to other religions? Or can you accept the fact that I was too tempted to let go of an opportunity to make a pun?

If God exists, I hope he has a good excuse. - Woody Allen
If it turns out that there is a God, I don't think that he's evil. But the worst that you can say about him is that basically he's an underachiever. - Woody Allen
I adore these quotes. You call it blasphemy? Is it too sensitive that you are already praying to your God/Gods to punish/forgive me?

I simply love Peter Sellers with his exaggerated French accent in Pink Panther. Would that make me a racist?
Now, what will happen to all those "What did the ant say before making love to an elephant?" type PJs? Oh no, Maneka Gandhi may be offended!
Little Johnny jokes are a strict no-no as it shows children in bad light. Where does this end?

The point I am trying to make is that, if we become too oversensitive about religion, region, caste, gender, accents, age group etc. etc. it becomes virtually impossible to make a spontaneous joke without hurting someone (I dont think its reasonable to perform a feasibility study and impact analysis for every joke!). If a sardarji is constantly bombarded with Santa-Banta jokes, he has a valid reason to get offended. If someone is telling a specific category of jokes, with the sole intention of offending you, its okay if you react strongly to that. I dont claim to be super cool, not offended by anything, but I make a conscious effort not to read too much into it, unless its too repetitive and explicit. Otherwise, I think we need to just enjoy a joke without finding too many hidden meanings.

Hee Haa Hhaah!

Comments

Anonymous said…
A very nice post. Loved the two statements in the first stanza.

But then, didn't understand a bit of the two Woody Allen's quotes. May be i'm suggesting the topic for your next blog entry... :)
Bit Hawk said…
@anonymous
Good that you loved the quotes. Yeah, somebody is in the first group!
I happen to share (not copy) similar opinions on God as Woody. We wish there was something like God. We doubt if there is something like God. And we tend to make fun of God and his inadequacies. May be some time later, I will write on God. :)

And anonymous readers, please mention your names or at least the third letter of your names (if you dont want to reveal your identities) :))
Anonymous said…
'i' is the third letter of my name. Is that any different from being anonymous!!! :)
krupa said…
Which category do I fall into? ;)
rekha said…
ya ,there are people who cant understand,who take every joke seriously,take completely different meaning and that should not stop u
Bit Hawk said…
@anonymous
Dont tell me its Sh'i'lpa Shetty :))

@krupa
You are definitely the cool types, dont worry!

@rekha
Bingo! You are absolutely right!
mouna said…
that's so true. i guess one shouldn't take anything too seriously. if one does, the fun is lost.

i don't get these santa-banta jokes. they are silly, and we are supposed to laugh at them(most times).
Anonymous said…
It's Dr.Sh'i'lpa Shetty now, irrespective of whether she deservers it or not and irrespective of whether you like it or not :)
- 'i'

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