Potentially Controversial for a Monday

[Bangkok]

Is there a subject that is not suitable for humour?

[andy hughes]

Humour is in the eye of the beholder. Some would say that certain subjects are taboo - it depends on what the recipeint finds funny. Personally I have a dark sense of humour and can see humour (which is not the same as laughing, a subtle, but important difference) in some serious situations, but then again, I don't find 'This black guy walks into a bar ...' jokes funny, so as I said, it's a matter of perception. The concept of Geroge Bush winning another four years has humour in it, but it's not funny!

[cardboard]

No, as far as Im concerned, anything goes. Jokes can be funny for lots of reasons, and just because you find a joke about a taboo subject funny doesnt mean you find said subject acceptable in daily life.

[natalie_1982]

I find some jokes a bit distasteful, but as Andy has said, I'm sure there I think I find hysterical that others may find offensive. I think a lot of it is down to personal taste, although I think there is some sort of line when it comes to racism, paedophilia, dead celeb's, etc. that perhaps people shouldn't cross just for the sakes of those that have been affected/ victims of the aforementioned subjects. However, if that's amusing to you (there's nothing wrong with that) then it should be kept in your home and only shared with those who you absolutely know will not take it to heart.

[natalie_1982]

I think = things

[Scarlett]

Hmm. As a writer of comedy, I have found it difficult to broach subjects like cancer, but somehow Little Britain always find a way to make it funny, as does Python.

[georgit79]

It's completely subjective, as I can laugh about Irish jokes, say, but find black/asian jokes offensive...weird, isn't it?!

[cardboard]

I can honestly say Ive never found any joke offensive ever. But thats just me

[newtron]

There was a South Park episode that defined the time limit for a taboo subject such as Aids to become funny at something like 22.3 years. 

[cardboard]

Dunno georgit. Part of it might be that while jokes about the irish and blacks can both be classed as racist, irish jokes tend to be more about stupidity, whereas jokes about blacks/asains tend to be a good bit sicker. So both racist jokes, but two different kinds of humour entirely

[Robinia]

Like the others I can find something funny in most areas of my life - it's the only thing that's got me through on occasion!

For instance, I've had cancer & can make light of it & happily laugh at myself, (much to some people's suprise) but I wouldn't say that it's a topic for comedy unless it's someone sharing their experience. Sometimes it's not the subject but the way it's expressed that makes me cringe.

In general I'd say as natalie does that a line has to be drawn as far as jokes are concerned.  I find 'life experience' comedy much funnier than jokes anyway.

[georgit79]

I laugh at most jokes (I admit it), but I gauge the controversiality (word?) factor at whether I feel comfortable laughing or not!  You know what I mean- when you feel like you shouldn't be laughing?

[ICEMANSAV]

I'm with cardboard nothing can really offend me.

[NoGood Boyo]

Switzerland, if you are Swiss.

[natalie_1982]

Exactly Georgit, for example jokes about Diana, 9/11, Superman, etc

[georgit79]

yep, jokes like that. I'm always disappointed that I laughed!

[smudge]

I have a great sense of humour & can laugh at most jokes, but I thought the last two  from Ahmed on the 'Keep Cardboard Happy Campaign' thread, were really sick. The jokes refer to murdered or abused children, which is a very sore subject with me. You may think I am overreacting, but that is my personal opinion.

[Ahmed]

I'm sorry if I offended you smudge.

 

To be honest, jokes regarding 9/11 amuse me greatly even though the event directly affected my family. If someone was to praise the disaster in a malicious way, then I would be upset/angry. But if it was just a joke which made people laugh, and was told as a joke to make people laugh, why would I be offended. When something makes someone laugh it's got to be a good thing right? And especially if something as sad as 9/11 can generate humour then I don't see it as a bad thing at all.

I find that the people who get upset the most about certain types of jokes/humour tend to be people who feel the need to let everyone else know that they are offended.

[ICEMANSAV]

A good answer Ahmed.

[smudge]

Ahmed -  Apology accepted, but It's not a case of me letting everyone else know that I'm offended. Bangkok asked the question: "Is there a subject that is not suitable for humour?" & I merely posted my point of view. Jokes about murdered or abused children are sick & that is my personal opinion.

[georgit79]

yes, a good answer Ahmed, but I don't see how it applies to your joke about Father/daughter incest- this just isn't funny. Not in my opinion, anyway.