Since we are on the subject today, this is a pretty interesting read

[snooper2]

http://www.humorpower.com/blog/2006/07/humor-skills-what-people-find-offensive/

What people find offensive and why is a question that does not have a simple answer. One person’s joke is another person’s rude comment. What makes one person laugh makes another person blush in embarrassment. What some people consider subtle wit is nothing but an insult to someone else. Some feel humor encourages stereotypes. Some feel it breaks them down. Let’s look at some of the factors that account for some of these differences.

1. Conditioning By Society. We are programmed by our culture, family and other social influences to think that certain things are funny, and that other things are offensive. This isn’t necessarily good or bad. It just is. Although it starts to be bad when the offensive humor begins to ruin relationships and eat away at a group’s self-esteem. Humor based on a stereotype, even if it’s accurate, can have a negative impact on society. On the other hand, humor can disarm a stereotype. The power that the humor has depends on the reader or the listener. Creating effective humor based on stereotypes is not easy.

(Snooper Comment - Chris Rock has it down pat :) )

1. Conditioning By Society. We are programmed by our culture, family and other social influences to think that certain things are funny, and that other things are offensive.

Much more-
http://www.humorpower.com/blog/2006/07/humor-skills-what-people-find-offensive/