This is topic New column: Pay me if you've heard this one before in forum Books, Films, Food and Culture at Hatrack River Forum.


To visit this topic, use this URL:
http://www.hatrack.com/ubb/main/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=030781

Posted by Chris Bridges (Member # 1138) on :
 
Pay me if you've heard this one before

There is an upsetting trend that's been developing over the past few decades, a change in our social interaction that is slowly crippling our ability to meaningfully communicate with each other. We have run out of people to make fun of.

On the face of it this is a good thing. Our language frames our thoughts, and the words we choose can affect how we perceive those around us. People who are "physically challenged" seem more deserving of our respect than people who are "handicapped" or "crippled." "Mentally ill" is far more polite than the somewhat less clinical "whack job." And hurtful names for ethnic groups reveal our unconscious biases, especially when three of them walk into a bar.

But now, thanks to the tireless efforts of shrill, self-appointed language police everywhere, we've matured. We respect all humans regardless of race, color, size, or peculiar sexual inclination. We love all man-and-womankind equally. And we're bored silly.
 
Posted by Trisha the Severe Hottie (Member # 6000) on :
 
I can't make fun of lawyers? Isn't it okay to make fun of an individual for being better than you? Like beauty queens and people who scored perfect on whatever standardized test?
 
Posted by Trisha the Severe Hottie (Member # 6000) on :
 
:bump: I didn't mean to hex this thread.
 
Posted by Synesthesia (Member # 4774) on :
 
How about making fun of politicians? Irratating creatues they are. *Swats them*
 
Posted by Chris Bridges (Member # 1138) on :
 
I would never make fun of lawyers as a class. It's rude and disrespectful and demeaning to those lawyers who work to improve the lots of the downtrodden and mistreated.

Instead, I would simply insult Daggonee directly. [Smile]
 
Posted by Trisha the Severe Hottie (Member # 6000) on :
 
Huh, but the downtrodden wouldn't need lawyers if it weren't for the way lawyers have set things up for everyone to need lawyers. I thought maybe you didn't want to make fun of lawyers for the same reason you don't make fun of the mafia.
 
Posted by Glaphyra the Righteous (Member # 6995) on :
 
Wow, Chris. Good column. Unexpectedly, I found it quite pointed. Don't know if that's the effect you intended, but it made me sad at the state of the world.

Huh. You rit deep.
 
Posted by Chris Bridges (Member # 1138) on :
 
To be entirely honest, I thought of it after listening to "Everyone's a Little Bit Racist" on the Avenue Q soundtrack. [Smile]
 
Posted by Shigosei (Member # 3831) on :
 
Your solution is brilliant. #$%#% Smablurkians, taking over all the good jobs from hard working Americans!
 
Posted by James Tiberius Kirk (Member # 2832) on :
 
quote:
I can't make fun of lawyers?
Apparently not; From CNN.com:

Pair arrested for telling lawyer jokes

[Big Grin]

--j_k
 
Posted by Joldo (Member # 6991) on :
 
Wonder who defended them.
 


Copyright © 2008 Hatrack River Enterprises Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.


Powered by Infopop Corporation
UBB.classic™ 6.7.2