diarrheamadman69 had this to say: >> I am no saint, and in fact love well-crafted >> homophobic, sexist and/or racist jokes personally---- >> but I would never EVER post one that just went >> on and on as an invitation to a serious event. And on this note, *I* (who usually remain silent) declare this a dead debate. With all due respect, I'm left wondering how anyone who appreciates "well-crafted" homophobic/racist/sexist jokes could be the arbiter of what is or is not appropriate in public. >> Is it only me, or is that crossing some line? Frankly, there is no line. I hate to hurt your feelings, but I see absolutely no difference between "Amos and Andy" and these supposedly "well-crafted" jokes you claim to be fond of. In fact, I would argue that "Amos and Andy" was one of the most brilliantly well-crafted and successful campaigns of racist propaganda this country has ever seen. (As far as anything which perpetuates prejudice can be considered "brilliant," of course.) The mistaken assumption that a line exists between what is appropriate or inappropriate for "public consumption" or "private discussion" is yet another example, sadly. Everyone is still entitled to their own personal beliefs, but there is no "line" which makes it more appropriate simply because you don't talk about it in front of the people you're making fun of. The illusion of a "line" only further legitimizes "secret racism," providing a comfy little pedestal for bigots to look down from, while distancing themselves from the supposed "actual racists" below. You're free to enjoy your well-crafted homophobic/racist/sexist jokes all you want. But if you're so convinced that the post was racist in the first place, you should appreciate the fact that there's virtually no difference between you and the person who posted, except that *they* weren't afraid to vocalize their beliefs. Or perhaps, psychologically, this is why you're so angry. Whatever the case, I've never met any of the involved parties, and all that I can really say is that the argument has gone on long enough on both sides. Carey, unemployed social theorist, who speaks only for himself, and not in defense of anyone else on this matter.
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