When did we lose the ability to laugh at ourselves?

It seems like today even a good joke has to be 'Politically Correct', or it is frowned upon by some.

Let's face it, a lot of good humor is poking fun at someone, including ourselves. It used to be taken in the manner it was intended, and enjoyed, and generally returned, by all. Now it seems that everyone is quick to take offense at any perceived slight, no matter how it was intended.

Are we really so insecure with ourselves now that we cannot recognize humor anymore?

If you are referring to the "joke" about Michelle Obama posing nude for National Geographic, then it is not a "good" joke, nor is it a question of political correctness, it is outright racist. Tell me, would you consider this to be a "good" joke if Martin Ent had substituted Penthouse or Hustler or even Time, instead of National Geographic? I am fairly certain that National Geographic does not pay for centerfold spreads, so why was that particular magazine selected.

I laugh at myself a dozen times a day.

Don't know that it's the kind of occupation for which we need someone to "help" us out, though.

Whenever someone doesn't seem to find my jokes funny, I usually assume the fault was with me, not them.

If you are referring to the "joke" about Michelle Obama posing nude for National Geographic, then it is not a "good" joke, nor is it a question of political correctness, it is outright racist. Tell me, would you consider this to be a "good" joke if Martin Ent had substituted Penthouse or Hustler or even Time, instead of National Geographic? I am fairly certain that National Geographic does not pay for centerfold spreads, so why was that particular magazine selected.

As I said...

jf1acai wrote:

If you are referring to the "joke" about Michelle Obama posing nude for National Geographic, then it is not a "good" joke, nor is it a question of political correctness, it is outright racist. Tell me, would you consider this to be a "good" joke if Martin Ent had substituted Penthouse or Hustler or even Time, instead of National Geographic? I am fairly certain that National Geographic does not pay for centerfold spreads, so why was that particular magazine selected.

As I said...

As I said. . .

To be blunt about it, I don't give a damn what race/color she is, or what magazine you choose - if you pull your head out it is still funny!

If you are too insecure to recognize that, it is your problem!

jf1acai wrote: If you are too insecure to recognize that, it is your problem!

Whenever someone doesn't seem to find my jokes funny, I usually assume the fault was with me, not them.

jf1acai wrote: To be blunt about it, I don't give a damn what race/color she is, or what magazine you choose - if you pull your head out it is still funny!

If you are too insecure to recognize that, it is your problem!

Perhaps you could explain why this was funny? That someone made up an email that one magazine offered Palin $4 million for a nude spread well another magazine only offered the First Lady $50? That is funny? Or is it the National Geographic that makes it funny, particularly when National Geographic does not pay for nude centerfold spreads?

I do not find racism funny, and will call it out when I see it. If that infringes on your "humor", so be it.

jf1acai wrote: It seems like today even a good joke has to be 'Politically Correct', or it is frowned upon by some.

Let's face it, a lot of good humor is poking fun at someone, including ourselves. It used to be taken in the manner it was intended, and enjoyed, and generally returned, by all. Now it seems that everyone is quick to take offense at any perceived slight, no matter how it was intended.

Are we really so insecure with ourselves now that we cannot recognize humor anymore?

The age of political correctness in the United States seems to have taken root in the mid 1980's. Those who smoked in the office were suddenly forced to smoke outside, it was no longer appropriate to comment on the attractiveness of a member of the opposite sex or their attire, heaven forbid you might mention God or any Christian belief at the risk of offending those who have no beliefs or other beliefs.

Everyone's skin is a lot thinner today, but why? Laws have changed, if I happen to comment on a coworker's mannerisms, mode of dress, or speculate on their sexual orientation it may be an actual crime as defined by the law. We are a far more litigious society today, back in the day it was more likely that you could agree to disagree or in the worst case duke it out between men and let the victorious party carry on.

Everyone wants to be the victim now instead of admitting their own culpability; Sure I eat five double cheese burgers a day but it's the fast food restaurants that serve them who are to blame for my obesity and heath problems. Ok, I pulled in to the Scottish restaurant's drive through and spilled the hot coffee on myself but the Scottish restaurant's owners and corporate fathers should have protected me from myself, the corporate fat cats need to pay me for not being smart enough to understand what the word hot means. Yes, I bought a new chainsaw and grabbed the blade while it was running but the manufacturer didn't put a warning label on the saw warning me not to do that or adding a safety device so I can't so they owe me for my own stupidity, lack of common sense, and blatant unwillingness to be accountable for myself.

I feel sorry for people who find no humor in life that isn't at the expense of someone else.

There is limitless humor in looking honestly at our own absurdities.