THE JOURNAL
Illustration by Mr Joe Taylor
So you’ve got an offensive joke – but should you, could you say it? Before you do, have you thought it through? What can seem funny in your head might not actually be that funny when said. Out loud, in a room full of other human beings, with human-being feelings. We know, you can’t say anything these days and people should learn how to take a joke – but maybe you should learn when to tell a joke. If in doubt, follow the guidance below.
Would you say it on a train?
Would you say it in a plane?
Would you say it on a first date?
Or to your Black/Asian/gay/trans/Inuit mate?
Would you say it to your bride?
Or while you are at Pride?
You’d say it in the shower
But on the Eiffel Tower?
Whisper it in a library?
Or when you’re taking the knee?
At a dinner table?
Or with somebody less able?
Would you say it to your sprog?
Or in a synagogue?
Would you say it to your niece?
Would you say it to a priest?
Would you say it to your gran?
Would you say it to an imam?
Would you post it on Diet Prada?
Repeat it the morning after?
Maybe in a battle rap
But on a dating app?
Would you say it in a tree?
Or in polite society?
Would you, could you in a locker room?
OK, now how about with your boss on Zoom?
You say you’re pushing boundaries, and definitely not minorities?
Would you say it while in bed?
Some things are better left unsaid
Illustration by Mr Joe Taylor