What jokes and forms of humor would you want banned from DU?

[quinnox]

21 votes, 2 passes | Time left: Unlimited
	Fat jokes only
	0 (0%)
	Fat jokes, and jokes based on gender, for instance "dumb blonde" jokes would be banned too
	0 (0%)
	Fat Jokes, gender jokes, and jokes based on physical appearance, example "he/she is so ugly, that..."
	2 (10%)
	Fuck it, all forms of humor should be banned! Yea, I am that uptight! (fuming)
	1 (5%)
	Every joke should go through an approval process first, before being posted.
	1 (5%)
	Meh, I am generally ok with most forms of humor
	3 (14%)
	None, I have a big sense of humor!
	14 (67%)
	2 DU members did not wish to select any of the options provided.
Show usernames Disclaimer: This is an Internet poll

[Atman]

1. Hmm...seems to be an agenda here.

I didn't see HoF jokes on the list. What about fat feminist jokes? What about rich white guy jokes? What about fat rich white guy jokes? What about jokes about people of color (white is a lack of color)? What about jokes about mimes? What about jokes about anyone who might be offended by anything? What about jokes about people who post absolute ridiculous flame-bait?

Hmmm....

[Katashi_itto]

20. Its all very slanted.

[bettyellen]

28. these are the same people so very offended by discussions of sexism and white privilege...

some of whom suggested that such discussions should be pushed out of GD.
Serious discussion, they have a problem with… but jokes, anything goes. Kind of obvious.

[bettyellen]

2. it is a moderated site, with a purportedly progressive POV. why is that a problem? it ain't Reddit.

Not yet, anyway.

[Warren DeMontague]

117. Perchance the Purportedly Progressive POV has been Purloined by Purple Pirates

say that shit 10 times fast.

However, if it wasn't for people complaining endlessly about it on DU, I never would have found this "reddit". That place is AWESOME! Thanks!

[bettyellen]

134. gosh you should spend more time surfing there, seems to be more your cup of tea.

[Warren DeMontague]

136. I'm flattered that you seem to think you know so much about me.

But I'm not available, sorry.

[el_bryanto]

3. The problem is that such jokes aren't usually funny

Not really. Sometimes they are because of clever turn of phrase, but usually such jokes are some form of "Look this despicable person is despicable," to which we are conditioned to laugh. Listen to Limbaugh for a while and you will see what I am talking about; imagine him saying the sorts of mean spirited insults about a hated Republican and consider if you would find that funny. Alternatively, if there's an insulting joke about a Republican, just turn it around and see if you would find it funny applied to a beloved Democrat.

Bryant

[NCTraveler]

4. All jokes are good at du unless hidden by a jury.

I would personally like to see people make jokes that they are comfortable making around their friends. Making jokes about someone being fat, what this is really about, shows more about the character and immaturity of the individual making the joke. I like to know who the posters with flawed characters are. Every person who makes a fat joke has a flawed character and is extremely callous towards the members of their community.

[Atman]

9. Holy Generality, Batman!

"Every person who makes a fat joke has a flawed character..."

While some just may have a different sense of humor than you do.

[quinnox]

12. I know, a whole bunch of comedians, some considered comic geniuses, just found out they are flawed..

[NCTraveler]

15. Many many comedians have severly flawed characters.

But you already know that.

[quinnox]

25. yep, and that is perhaps one reason they are so funny

What is wrong with being flawed anyway? We all can't be perfect...

[NCTraveler]

31. Here is a great one for you.

Just want to make sure you really get a good laugh today. Must be his hate and flawed character that keeps your sides in stitches. At this point, what you are doing seems more like a shtick. Can't be real.

[quinnox]

38. here is something for you - Jesus said - How can you say to your brother,

‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?

Something to think about...

[NCTraveler]

43. Exactly. Understand your own flaws in finding humor in fat and other hateful jokes.

It all starts with you.

[quinnox]

45. All I ask is you consider those words, and think about how they might apply to yourself

There is wisdom in them. (And no, I am not a Jesus freak!)

[NCTraveler]

52. You have been absolutley schooled on your need to find humor in fat jokes.

On this thread and others. Every single night before bed I have a moment of self reflection. Your cute little bible verse is not helping your cause. It is just saying more about you. I guess that is where I would go to if my position was that hurting others is a real hoot. The bible often makes people feel better about their own shortcomings.

[LanternWaste]

112. Yet what happens when we rationalize that plank in our own eyes as merely "comedy"?

Yet what happens when we rationalize that plank in our own eyes as merely "comedy"?

Something else to think about... or, six of one and half a dozen of the other.

[NCTraveler]

14. I am glad to know you find humor in fat jokes.

Yes, it does say a lot about your character. Lots of people find things funny that I view as their own personal character flaws. Interesting that you see what people laugh about as being just a different sense of humor. Come down to Florida, there are plenty of people without flawed characters(in your eyes) laughing their ass off at black or gay jokes. You might get a chuckle.

[Atman]

18. Come down to Florida? I'm from Florida.

I grew up in Florida. I'm in Florida a lot. But I don't laugh my ass off at black or gay jokes. Or fat jokes. But sometimes a joke is a just a joke, not an indictment on one's overall character.

I'd better stop. This is what got me banned from the feminist group...I'm not allowed to speak freely. I must stay within the constraints of the accusers of my horrible character.

[NCTraveler]

23. If someone is in high school or older...

and still making or laughing at fat jokes, it is a character flaw. It is childish. It is purposefully hurtful.

[geek tragedy]

33. your blatant misogyny got you banned from the feminist group.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024034212

Atman (27,035 posts) Thu Nov 14, 2013, 04:57 PM


Yellen needs a classier accent. [View all]
Ewww...sounds so streety. I'm sure it doesn't sit well with the suits. Hell, tits AND a street accent? This will be a tough one to pass...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10021232822

Atman (27,035 posts)

Please, Alyssa Milano...stick to soft core porn... [View all]
Last edited Thu Aug 30, 2012, 12:34 PM - Edit history (1)

You invested a lot in those fake boobs. Put them to good use...but PLEASE stop the slow-motion piano commercials begging for money! PLEASE! Christ, if you just flashed those fake boobs, I might send 20 bucks to Ethiopia just to shut you up!

(Sorry, was that out of line? Just had to say it.)

Imagine that, a feminist group banning a flagrant misogynist who's willing to reduce any woman to body parts and sexually degrade her. Even Jessica freaking Yellen.

[LanternWaste]

114. The self-defined martyr's way of stating, "I hate the consequences of what I speak freely".

"I'm not allowed to speak freely...."

The self-defined martyr's way of stating, "I hate the consequences of what I speak freely".

[Atman]

118. The self-defined word police way of stating "I will tell you what is appropriate to say."

"I don't care what you think you said, it means what I say it means!"

The self-defined busy-body's way of stating "I hate when people say things I deliberately choose not to try and understand."

[BainsBane]

129. From Florida

Last edited Fri Jan 10, 2014, 11:45 PM - Edit history (1)

You don't say. I lived in South Florida for seven years.

[Atman]

133. A resort beach town

The space center. And I haven't lived there in over thirty years. Central Florida is a very different place, especially now. Why do you insist upon being such a hateful person?

[geek tragedy]

19. psst.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024034212

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10021232822

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=2407288

[Atman]

48. You put a lot of work into that.

Wow.

First link was PURE 100% sarcasm, as was even noted in the jury responses. My bad for leaving out the tag. I am a total 100% Yellen supporter. Your bad for not having a sense of humor, I guess, as nothing malicious was stated. It was a post of support for Yellen, and it was admittedly my fault for not adding the sarcasm tag.

The second link...yes, poor taste. I regret posting it, because I have the utmost respect for what Alyssa Milano is doing. I was actually commenting about the horrible commercials, and it did it wrong.

As for the third one, this has bothered me for a long time. I got FIVE hidden posts for this, almost got kicked off of DU...for what? Have you ever had a visceral reaction to a disgusting old man? A smelly guy? A drunk falling all over you on the subway? If you complain about that, does it mean ALL MEN are like that? I mentioned a specific situation. Many women who work in the sex trade are beautiful, hard working people just trying to make it by in life, and I have no problem with what they're doing if that is what they want to do. But re-read the link you posted...do you deny, do you actually DENY, that there are some strip bar dancers who are what I described? The drunken, unclean heroin-addicted losers? Some video game addicted basement-dwelling Cheeto-eaters could be described the same way...but the post in which I used the forbidden word was a total bullshit pile on by you and the outrage brigade. Just as you're doing now.

[geek tragedy]

58. actually, finding it was very easy. 2 minutes of work.

Note that the third post was from a big flamefest wherein you suggested it was okay to hire adults strippers to grind on teenage boys, and referred to homosexuality and transgender identity as being 'lifestyles' like 'surfing.'

[Atman]

62. Note that you also ingored everything I said.

There were people who understood what I was trying to say. You chose to get into a pissing match, when I meant nothing what you were claiming I said, despite how much I tried to point that out to you. I know you've read my other posts...I have worked for NOW, NARAL, Planned Parenthood, and the gay rights initiatives in Maine and other states. Yet you just pull stuff out of your ass in your Outrage Campaign, completely ignoring what I've stated. You cherry-picked key-words you could use to impugn my integrity. It's a cheap, shitty way of dealing with your fellow DUers. It's shows a total lack of integrity and honesty. If you knew me, you'd never be on this crusade of yours. You seem completely incapable of reading anything other than what you want to read into a given subject.

[geek tragedy]

64. anyone can claim to be a civil rights hero in real life.

you get judged here by your behavior here.

and it was a very diverse group of people who were objecting to the crap you were projectile-vomiting up there.


And, no, "I have gay friends" is not a defense.

[Atman]

66. Keep making shit up. Keep it up.

I never said anything close to "I have gay friends."

I said that I have actually worked for NOW, NARAL, Planned Parenthood and the Maine LGBT initiative (successful). That's not the same as saying "I have gay friends." I've walked the fucking walk, while all you do is piss and moan. YOU get judged by your behavior, too. And you're not as "all that" as you imagine yourself.

[geek tragedy]

68. roll the tape.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=2407201

I guess because someone might be gay, there should be no "surprise" strippers, ever.

Personally, I'd have no problem if some buffed hunk showed up as a surprise stripper...I'd deal, but I'm a liberal Democrat. A friend of ours is actually a drag queen, and very flamboyantly gay. I don't mean that in a derogatory way. I mean, he enjoys and celebrates his lifestyle, and is not shy about it. So, it just doesn't bother me. He's always been a wonderful person and a good friend, so it's not an issue. It is YOU doing the defining of what should be right and wrong. If I can accept a gay drag queen kissing me and pulling me out onto the dance floor, why can't a gay man accept a nude woman?

more:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=2407485

Being gay is being gay. Some people are just gay. Some people are gay and celebrate it, like my friend, who has a girl name along with his real name. He chooses to hang out in drag bars, and is very outgoing, as opposed to people we all know who are just "gay." IOW, it is a "lifestyle." Just as being a surfer is a "lifestyle" or any other "lifestyle" one might choose. I didn't say it was a "choice," if that is what you are inferring. Gay, straight, or in-between, and don't think ANYONE should be forced to have another person wrap their legs around one's head, clothed or unclothed. You're just making assumptions that one of these teenagers might have been gay, therefore it was wrong to have a female stripper. It's an assumption not backed up anywhere in the story, but I understand your point. The whole damned thing was wrong! It matters not whether the stripper or the kids were male or female.

more:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=2407839

This is silly. I'm not going to get into a debate about how gay you have to be to be gay. I used a word, "lifestyle," that I meant in a different context from that in which you are taking it. You've mistaken me for someone else...I've never stated that "all boys want a lap dance." I just didn't say that. I merely pointed out that we know NOTHING about the boys in the picture. You're assuming that some of them might be gay, and therefore shouldn't have a female stripper grinding her stuff in their faces. I'm saying that we don't know if anyone was straight or gay. You're inventing an argument to fit your needs. Sure, one of those guys might have been gay. Oh, heavens! So what? I've been to strip clubs...say "no thanks," and the dancer will move on.

You still entirely missed my point about the word "lifestyle." One can be gay and in a great relationship without living an overtly gay "lifestyle." Such as my friend. I have a couple of gay friends that you'd never assume to be gay. And then there is my friend I mentioned earlier who embraces the gay "lifestyle." Why is that so hard to understand? I'm not disparaging anyone. I surf, but I'm not part of the surfer "lifestyle." It's just a freakin' word!

[Atman]

72. Go ahead. I've stated myself clearly.

You're just picking fights.

Over and over again. We can roll your tapes, too, my friend. Same shit, different day.

I notice you have no comment on my actual field word in the areas of gay rights, women's rights, etc...just cheap shots based upon old posts you've already beat me up for, and for which I've already explained. You're just on a vendetta. You refuse to listen to facts, you just want to ride your high horse on your crusade. As I've stated before YOU are a primary reason why so many on DU have a problem with the Outrage Brigade. No sense of perspective, no ability to consider anything but your own myopic viewpoint.

[geek tragedy]

75. yes, you care so much about GLBT people and women

that you refuse to modulate your words one iota to avoid degrading them and insulting them in profound ways here.

[Atman]

79. The quote you post are pretty damning...to you.

I think it's pretty clear I was not making the case you are trying to pin on me. Very clear. Not going to re-litigate this. You're wrong. Woefully, 100% wrong, and you need to do a little introspection as to why you're such a hateful person to those who share so many of your own values. Maybe it's just a reading problem.

[geek tragedy]

81. which is why every glbt person in that thread was reading you the riot act.

As I said, you don't give a fuck about GLBT people if they disagree with you, just like you don't give a fuck about women if they take offense to your misogyny.

Number of people coming to your defense in that thread: zero.

[Atman]

83. Keep it up. Keep it up.

Meanwhile, go see a shrink.

[geek tragedy]

89. ah, now you're using mental illness as an insult.

you're versatile, gotta give you props for that.

[Atman]

94. And I don't give you props for anything.

You're a one-trick pony. A very, very tiresome one-trick pony.

[BainsBane]

135. OMG. NARAL again

I guess that means you can call any woman you feel like it a "s . . .y s.....h."

[Atman]

29. Can you find a single fat joke I've posted?

Where do you get off passing judgement? I only stated that your rash generalities about people's "flawed character" aren't much different than a fat joke. Personally speaking (I know she doesn't read hear and has no connection to DU) my DIL is severely overweight. It concerns me. But I don't joke about her weight, and I don't joke about Christie's weight. I called Christie a FAT FUCK, which he is. That's not a joke. If he was a skinny fuck, would you be upset at me for calling him skinny? He's a fat fuck. I despise him. I don't despise him because of his weight, but it is clear that his weight is at the root of his emotional bullying problems. Or maybe it isn't. Who am I to actually have an opinion which differs from yours. From North Carolina, no less.

[NCTraveler]

36. I can pass judgement on anyone I want.

So can you.

"Where do you get off passing judgment?"

I will pass judgment on anyone in high school or above who doesn't understand the hateful nature of fat jokes.

[Capt. Obvious]

49. Come down to Florida,

Come down to Florida, there are plenty of people without flawed characters(in your eyes) laughing their ass off at black or gay jokes. You might get a chuckle.

Are they laughing from their mobility scooters?

[LanternWaste]

110. While yet still others may simply rationalize debasing others for amusement as...

While yet still others may simply rationalize debasing others for their own amusement as simply a "different sense of humor"

[redqueen]

22. I agree.

It does give insight into the character of the person making the joke and those who laugh at it.

[Atman]

51. Of course you do.

I'd expect nothing less.

[redqueen]

55. Why don't you take this opportunity to explain how rape culture is "a HoF invention"

Y'know, since you're here bothering to reply to my post, and you never bothered to explain when I asked.

[Atman]

59. Yes, in fact, I already responded to that.

Sorry you missed it.

[redqueen]

70. You didn't reply to me. nt

[NCTraveler]

67. I'm sorry that you can post something as innocent as.....

"I agree. It does give insight into the character of the person making the joke and those who laugh at it."

and someone comes along and takes a cheap shot at you.

You weren't even replying to them, you were replying to me. Your response was directly related to something in this thread. Theirs had absolutely nothing to do with this thread. It is no wonder they don't think sexist/fat jokes say anything about ones character.

They have gone so far as to pull out a bible verse on me because I feel hurting others is a true character flaw. I feel like I shouldn't even have put in my two cents on this subject.

[redqueen]

78. Well I'm glad you did.

The more people who speak up about this stuff, the sooner people will stop thinking it's acceptable.

[11 Bravo]

5. None, if that was good enough for George Carlin, it should be good enough for DU.

[Brickbat]

6. Polls like this one.

[A-Schwarzenegger]

7. It's funny.

The ones with no sense of humor who tell jokes
that aren't funny are always the ones who say,
"Come on, it's a joke, where's your sense of humor?"

[brooklynite]

8. "(censored), (censored) and (censored) walk into a (censored) and the (censored) says..."

I dunno, it lacks something.

[quinnox]

10. LOL

Good one!

[Nye Bevan]

46. Alerting. I know exactly the joke you mean. (nt)

[Brother Buzz]

11. "Chickens" should still be on the table

But that bully, Skinner, put the kibosh that.

[BainsBane]

13. Bigotry

Last edited Fri Jan 10, 2014, 06:29 PM - Edit history (1)

Is not only offensive, it's diametrically opposed to what the Democratic Party, progressivism, and liberalism stands for. There is no reason for bigotry to be allowed here or in any civilized space. It fits in well at the Conservative Cave, however, as that is the sort of mentality that finds such "jokes" funny. Of course they aren't jokes because they aren't funny. Rather they are an expression of who the person who tells them is: a bigot.

[quinnox]

16. Hmm...I'll put you down as a vote for "Fuck it, all forms of humor should be banned! Yea, I..."

[BainsBane]

24. No, put me down for expecting humor

that doesn't revolve around the supposed joke teller's hatred of those different from himself. And then there is the fact that people can get away with a lot more if they are actually funny. I love Chris Rock because he's brilliant, so if uses some sexist words in the course of his act, it doesn't bother me, in part because his comedy contains so much insightful social commentary.

People who use those "jokes" around here aren't Chris Rock. They aren't funny. Rather, they use the excuse of a "joke" to express their hatred for great swaths of the human race. All they succeed in doing is exposing themselves.

So basically I expect humor to be generated by and geared toward IQs over 65. I'm picky that way.

[Whisp]

65. just for the record, I do no 'hate' fat people.

I do detest, hate and use every other adjective similar, Chris Cristie and in my judgement using 'Girth Certificate' is not comparable to hate or bigotry no matter how much some people want that to be so.

I would suggest that anyone who was so over insulted by me spend their time and energy emailing and tweeting Lukovitch and the rest of the political cartoonists - hey, spread the grief around.

another freakin runaway train here on DU.

[BainsBane]

120. As shocking as this may be

I wasn't talking specifically about you, nor did I even have you in my mind when I wrote the post. Consider the OP and the kinds of stuff he likes to defend, then you know what I had in mind. However, if I had been on a jury for that or any other fat shaming post, I would have voted to hide.

Other post deleted as a dupe.

[snooper2]

93. So you are going to quit making fun of Mitch McConnel for looking like a turtle?

right!


http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022766856

[Atman]

95. That's gonna leave a mark!

[JoePhilly]

101. Hope he has a tough shell!

[BainsBane]

130. right. . ..

That really is indicting. It truly is shameful for me to try to understand what another poster meant in referring to McConnell.
Especially in comparison to something as complimentary as this comment of yours: http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=2407288

[BainsBane]

119. Did you actually read that thread?

Cause I'm not the one making fun of Mitch McConnell. Actually, I was making fun of social scientists.

Actually, it says something that you did a search of my posts and that's the closest thing to bigotry that you could find.

[snooper2]

138. I've only got so many minutes dedicated to finding

BaneBane hypocrisy

[BainsBane]

141. Your effort was clearly

a failure.

[pintobean]

147. Try this

http://upload.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x2908865#2908865

[frazzled]

17. Because rape is so funny?

Look, there's humor and there's humor, and each case must be judged. Let's not make blanket statements or cry "censorship" as a general form of intimidation to those who might be truly offended.

I think you need to listen to these lyrics, from "Mother of Pearl":

[quinnox]

21. *double take*

WTF, how did you leap to that headline from my OP??

[BainsBane]

26. because it's a common topic of comedy

You seem to think anything is acceptable if it's called a "joke." Rape is hilarious in some circles and has been a source of debate among comedians of late.

[frazzled]

32. From the poll's implicit suggestion that

complaints about jokes are somehow misplaced. There have been complaints about racist joking, religious joking ... and most especially, and recently, sexist joking on this board. And the suggestion that "banning" is the position that certain whiners about these genres have in mind. No, they don't: they're saying that sometimes some joking, in this board's political context, is offensive. As liberals, we should listen to such complaints ... because when someone says they were offended, it's always to be taken as a valid statement. (

[lumberjack_jeff]

27. Only jokes about disability. In particular, intellectual disability.

The rest of us can stick up for ourselves and/or share some responsibility for our situation.

[bettyellen]

35. so jokes about children getting raped is okay with you? men getting raped? good to know.

[lumberjack_jeff]

42. I find it hard to imagine a funny joke about those topics. n/t

[bettyellen]

47. you never made that a criteria. and rightfully so, because it's subjective. Bigotry is less so.

[lumberjack_jeff]

53. I suspect the word "funny" or "humorous" shows up in the definition of "joke" somewhere. n/t

[bettyellen]

57. HA. if only all jokes were as funny as this post. there are many attempts at humor that fail.

Some people are cruel and think any denigration of another is hilarious. I know you have seen these jokes, not sure why you'd prefer to play dumb about it. Perhaps because you belatedly realized you were condoning anything goes- including hateful stuff- here? That was what the OP was about- now you are claiming they aren;t attempts at humor? THAT is funny.

[cherokeeprogressive]

30. "Three fat lesbians walk into a sex shop..."

Is that an acceptable joke here? Should it be?

[quinnox]

54. no comment

[Spirochete]

34. Knock-knock jokes

and elephant jokes...

I don't think jokes should be banned. Aspects of a poster's character can be discerned by the jokes he/she finds funny. Another indication of what a fellow DU'er is like.

[beachbum bob]

37. I guess too many

"sensitive people" get their noses out of whack.....so first they want to ban the fat jokes, the skinny jokes, the blond jokes, knock knock jokes and then they start going after letterman, jon steward...

no laughing or making funny of anything


LOL

[tkmorris]

50. I bet you know some TERRIFIC Pollack jokes

Seriously is anything off limits to you?

[Orrex]

139. I've got a funny one for you:

Did you hear the one about the Pollock who hurt his leg while painting?

He had a bad spill.

[Capt. Obvious]

39. Unfunny ones

[Vashta Nerada]

40. Last three weeks, we've had gender wars, woo wars,

and now humor wars?

[RC]

96. All fought by pretty much the same people, against the majority of DU.

Somehow they usually manage to work rape into it. See somewhere above. They obviously misinterpret the words in the post of others, to derail the sub-topic (and deflect from the main topic). Ignore totally any responses to their made up perceptions of the topic at hand.
Kinda like Conservatives do, when they manufacture their own reality. Notice the pile-on.
These same people most always seem to be at odds with the spirit of DU.
What I'm thinking, in this thread anyway, is that they are trying to come up with a way to defend Christie without actually seemingly to defend him.

[Vashta Nerada]

98. Post #27.

The poster never mentioned anything about the topic you're talking about, but a person who responded to him automatically assumed he included that topic and attacked him.

W.T.F.

[RC]

100. Yep, that's the one.

Happens a lot in the contrived flame fests. Always by the same group.

[Nye Bevan]

41. Your momma's so fat, she ate your poll!

Kidding!

I promise that if this is not hidden I will say 3 "Hail Marys" as penance (better add 3 "Hail Richard Dawkins" for the atheists).

And if it is, at least it will stop the "Goody Two-Shoes Clean Transparency Page" taunting for a while.

[Xyzse]

44. I generally think that humor should be fine.

If it upsets you, discard it from the actual conversation and address the point and/or context of the whole post.

I mean, in some cases I feel like people would completely ignore the point of a post and react only on the "humor" part that can be considered objectionable in some way or form(because anything can be objectionable to somebody). In certain ways, I fear it is being used as a tactic to derail meaningful discussion, and go for something shallow, rather than address the actual topic. Thing is, humor is important since many topics can be tedious and it needs such things to keep it interesting and provides other ways to look at matters.

[LeftishBrit]

56. I voted 'pass' because it's not the subject of the jokes that matters, but the attitude implied

There are good jokes that have been told about almost anything, including gender, ethnicity, religion, death, disability, illness, etc.

What makes a joke damaging is if it's used to sneer at people of a different group, or with regard to their misfortunes. It's not the joke that's the problem; it's the sneer.

[quinnox]

60. bingo -"There are good jokes that have been told about almost anything, including gender, ethnicity

religion, death, disability, illness, etc. "




That is basically my whole point in a nutshell.

[redqueen]

82. If it is, you failed utterly in attempting to make that point.

In fact, given the context in which you've posted this poll (that is, the fat jokes aimed at Chris Christie, and the wording of your poll), it seems that it actually wasn't your point ar all. Nowhere near it, in fact.

[quinnox]

88. speak for yourself

I think most people got what my inference was. Look at the poll results. And trust me, I know what point I was making, much better than your wild guesses.

[redqueen]

91. LOL

Right.

[ProfessorGAC]

140. Failed Utterly?

i understood the point, and this is coming from someone who has not at all been involved the various flamewars that precipitated this OP.

Clearly, the OP did not utterly fail. All it takes is for one person to understand the point.

You clearly don't like the point, and that, of course, is perfectly fine. There is difference between making a judgment and declaring failure by fiat.

[redqueen]

146. Really? Seriously?

The context in which this guy posted this particular poll is one in which we are talking in GD about making fun of fat people.

Are you ok with making fun of fat people?

Is that the kind of joke that you think punches up?

Please tell me how, exactly, the poll in the OP differentiates between jokes which punch up and jokes which punch down.

I'm really looking forward to this.

[redqueen]

63. That's a good point.

Humor can be used to show people how fucked up society can be, or to reinforce that fucked-upness.

I assumed for the purposes of this poll the jokes would be the ones that punch down, and not the ones that punch up.

[geek tragedy]

76. yep, jokes meant to entertain and enlighten are different than thinly veiled hate. nt

[Orsino]

61. This OP?

Jokes that trivialize others' concerns are a good place to start.

[Autumn]

69. I chose none, because of my sense of humor, we are all adults and Skinner has given us trash thread

a handy little feature for the easily offended.

[CJCRANE]

71. Everything should be made into a joke. No seriousness allowed. nt

[cynatnite]

73. Some jokes are just in bad taste...

These jokes about someone's physical appearance are in bad taste. In Christie's case, it distracts from the real issue at hand.

No can ban them despite their inappropriateness.

[leftyohiolib]

74. what about everyone favorite past time,mocking the religious

[HERVEPA]

80. This thread was about humor, but congrats for getting my favorite pastime (it's one word) in there

[leftyohiolib]

87. thanks for the english lesson while im sure youre perfect in everything you do the op

stated "What jokes and forms of humor would you want banned from DU?" so it's not so much humor in general but humor that should be banned.

[warrprayer]

77. I am fat*

is it ok to even use the word, "Fat"? I mean, wouldn't "overweight" or "metabolically challenged" be better?

Myself, I am not the least bit sensitive aboujt being 320 lbs.. About 14 years ago I was 200. Things happen when we get older.

I am totally aware that with some self discipline, I could likely take control of my weight issue. That I have not done so is nobodys fault but mine. I joke about my weight on occasion, and can take a joke as well.

On the other hand, I don't like hurting people, whether they can control their weight issues or not. I would prefer when on D.U. dealing with others whom we don't know, the utmost consideration should be taken to avoid hurting each others feelings. We are, or should be, all friends here.

It truly bothers me when I hear someone hurt, possibly deeply by the wrong words.

[redqueen]

90. Well said.

[warrprayer]

92. thanks

When I see someone posting begging people to stop with the fat jokes, I imagine someone actually bursting into tears from the hurt. Not good.

[democratisphere]

84. I believe in 'Freedom of Jokes'.

Laugh or Grimace! Then move on!

[redwitch]

85. All of them.

Life is a big goddam serious business and levity should be frowned upon.

[Shandris]

86. Things that are out of a person's control...

...shouldn't be grist for the 'humor' mill. I don't think that's hard to understand or live by.

[CFLDem]

97. I don't get it...

[Shandris]

102. You don't get what I'm saying? Or something different?

To help clarify, there are all manner of things that are beyond a person's control. Age, education level, race, sex, cisnormativity, and to a large degree weight are among those things. None of these should be things that are 'jokes' in a site like DU. These are fundamental things that are part of a person's experience and life that are by and large simply things that exist. We don't 'joke' about cancer victims, epilepsy sufferers, gay or trans* people, the elderly, the homeless, the infirm, and so on. Things that are beyond, or largely beyond, a person's control simply aren't 'funny'. To laugh at an overweight person is to laugh at a crippled person, or a person with Gilles de la Tourette's Syndrome, or anything else of that nature. It's low-brow, it's cheap, it's cruel, and it's exploitative. IOW...it's -beneath- us as liberals who -claim- to be in favor of equity in society. How can we say we are for equity, and then laugh at a person who is already treated -without- equity in the first place? That just makes us bullies, hypocrites, and liars imo.

I hope that clarifies what I meant, and I'll be happy to answer more if it's still not clear.

[CFLDem]

107. Hmm good point...

but I think anything can be comedy... especially the most 'serious' things.

One man's tragedy is another's comedy.

[Shandris]

113. I think it's -theoretically- possible for...

...any serious thing to become comedy, although I would stress the 'theoretically' part and do so hard enough as to note that some things simply aren't worth trying to -make- funny, even were it possible. But the vast majority of these things we're seeing said about Christie (or anyone else, along any of those axes I described earlier) aren't said as humor, they're said as meanness and cruelty.

I guess a lot changes when it impacts you or those you care about. You might have noticed I mentioned Gilles de la Tourette's Syndrome. That's one that television 'comedies' like to hit on all the time, usually by mocking coprolalia (the cursing). South Park had a 'cute' little episode about it. Ohhh, yes, so very funny. It wasn't so funny when I had to talk down a friend of mine who, despite not having coprolalia in his Tourette's symptoms, was driven to near-suicidal depression because of the sudden rise of people making fun of Tourette's within earshot of him. Worse was that many of these people were supposedly his -friends-. With friends like that...

You come to know people on the down-side of life a lot more closely when you live among them and the only thing they have to offer in friendship is their emotions and hurts and dreams instead of a fruit basket and a neighborly wave from across the street. And it's at those moments that you get to see the emotional pain that so many of them go through at the hands of people who, very often, are either simply blindly cruel, or uncaringly despotic. Not that you are either, CFLDem. I'm talking more in generality (as I have a tendency to. )

[pansypoo53219]

99. lighten up, francis.

[Shandris]

103. Ah yes, the siren call of every mean person -ever-. (n/t)

[JoePhilly]

106. Sirens ... hum ... mythical women of the sea, temptresses who caused men

to crash their "ships" against the "rocks".

If you know what I mean.

[kwassa]

123. Are you making fun of the Pope ???!!!?????!!!!!

Anti-papal humorist!!!

[JoePhilly]

104. No Limericks!!!! I hate Nantucket!!

[Initech]

105. Let's just say that the jokes about him are greatly exaggerated.

[JoePhilly]

108. That's IT! ... no jokes on DU ... but ... you can post just the punch lines!

That's what SHE said!

[Initech]

109. Ask and ye shall receive!

[kwassa]

122. Bigotry against Massachusetts islands?

I knew it.

[leeroysphitz]

111. G.D. is a serious forum for serious people discussing serious topics. lol n/t

[alphafemale]

115. Knock. Knock jokes. Makes light of battery against doors. And...

They suck.

[Warren DeMontague]

116. "Drunken Monkey Puppet" Jokes

[Liberal Veteran]

124. I just wanna see the schedule of our weekly war topics.

So I can plan ahead.

[PeaceNikki]

127. Anyone who thinks that is a new phenomenon or that it's unique to certain people is sorely mistaken

Among other things, DU has had huge flamewars over chicken, pit bulls, breastfeeding, the Olive Garden, and general gender issues since day 1.

Please, no more threads about chicken

[Comrade Grumpy]

125. The humorless are not amused.

[donco]

126. this friggen site

is getten so political correct.Might as well be an extension of faux news.

[PeaceNikki]

128. wait... what? FOX News is too politically correct for you?

:confused:

[NuclearDem]

131. I know, it's so damn inconvenient to stop making offensive jokes

Being inclusive is so hard.

[Electric Monk]

132. This joke here, right out. Whatever you do, do not post this joke on DU ;-)

[Unrepentant Fenian]

137. None

[Captain Stern]

142. First they came for the fat jokes...

....but I didn't speak out..

[William769]

143. I am astounded at the vote for "None, I have a big sense of humor!"

Now really think what most jokes are about.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

144. Stupid shit that isn't funny. But, really I don't even want it banned. The First

Amendment gives the right to say stupid shit and I like knowing where the stupid is so I can avoid it.

[B Calm]

145. I'm sick of the PC in speech.

Some people will accuse you for saying something that you never even said, I guess they just take it differently. They think they are mind readers. I don't think it bothers them either, but for the most part are just instead looking for posts to report on and see if they can get them hidden.

[Captain Stern]

148. Bingo (except they don't really take it differently)

I think the 'Straw Man Brigade' in here knows exactly what they are doing. It's pretty transparent.

[B Calm]

149. Straw Man Brigade are ruining GD.