posted on May 2, 2003 09:09:44 PM new
"How did Helen Keller burn her hands?"
"Reading the waffle iron."
Helen Keller jokes are crude, offensive, and could serve as a prime example of what's "politically incorrect". Why is this? It
seems to be mostly because they poke fun at a cultural icon. A person who triumphed in the face of overwhelming adversity,
displaying the best qualities of our species, a shining example of all that makes us human, blah, blah, blah. But that isn't the
whole picture. Making fun of heroes is traditional, and goes back at least as far as the dawn of recorded history.
Also missing is the other side of the equation. If no-one found these jokes amusing, they'd die out instantly. But they live on,
retold over and over, enjoyed by millions. So there must be some appeal. Part of this, naturally, is the thrill of the forbidden --
something this obviously disrespectful must be naughty.
However, I think there's another piece to the puzzle. The heart of these jokes is the capricious way fate picks on everybody.
Even heroes have their foibles, make mistakes, have accidents. Even heroic methods of dealing with life have their pitfalls. And
recognizing this universal truth, that we are all indeed equal under the laws of humour, is, to me, as much a part of what makes
us human as the qualities that enabled Helen Keller to achieve a full life from dark, lonely, fumbling beginnings.
posted on May 2, 2003 11:51:06 PM new
And that all goes to show everyone, that we are all human; imperfect; everyone, everyone has faults, no one is without them.
And so, people will tell jokes about Helen Keller, Stephen Hawkings, Christopher Reed and the thousands upon thousands of others.
Ever occur to you that these people, alive and dead, may just have found some of these politically incorrect jokes funny despite or even because of their 'imperfections'. They may have, they may do, you don't know. I'll beleive that some do
And with that I'M LEAVING! hey at least for the weekend! ain't you glad?
As we say up here in coffee country
Latte!
Art Bell Retired! George Noory is on late night coasttocoastam.com
posted on May 4, 2003 07:52:39 PM new
Colin: I've been reading some of your threads and comments for a while now. I find it hard to believe that you really are a "reverend." All the ministers and clergy I've known have been more or less educated folk, and the way you present yourself in writing is contrary to that.
Now your Helen Keller joke solicitation is sort of the last straw in the Poor Taste Category. Tell us where your congregation and church is, please--city and state. No real clergyman would hang back from tooting his own horn. . . . Surely you want more parishioners, and here's your chance for free advertising! Heck, you may even get some dollar donations through PayPal!
Furthermore, you have WAY too much time on your hands to be a real clergyman. My father, my father-in-law, my uncles (3), my brother-in-law--all would never have had the time to spend on sites like this because they were working 20 hours a day. And successful.
[ edited by Roadsmith on May 4, 2003 07:54 PM ]
posted on May 4, 2003 08:11:57 PM new
Making fun of a person's physical disabilities is callous and offensive. The fact that some people find these jokes funny is pathetic.
posted on May 8, 2003 03:59:06 PM new
I know jokes about the disadvantaged are callous and sort of cruel. AND I applaud those who overcome their disabilities and cheer others to follow in their footsteps...but come on:
"Mrs. Jones, can Johnny come and play basebal with us?"
"You know Johnny was born without arms or legs."
"Yeah, but we need a second base"
A politician will call you intelligent to keep you ignorant. I tell you that you are ignorant so that you may want to be intelligent - Eugene Debs
posted on May 8, 2003 04:18:26 PM new
I enjoy Colin's posts....as I do many of the posters who post here....even if I don't agree with the positions they take.
COLIN....I hope you don't let these women who need more estrogen in their bodies run you off.
Between that and my motorcycle shop site:
http://www.rt67cycle.com
You should be able to find out anything and everything you need to know.
Send donations and bring a 12 pack if your stopping by.
Sorry to hear your father, father-in-law and the rest of your family had such problems tending their flocks. Maybe they should have tried a different vocation.
posted on May 9, 2003 08:42:21 AM new
colin - Myrtle Beach, huh? well, the weather is gorgeous, supposed to be a beautiful weekend...and there are already a ton of bikers here
have a safe trip!
"Be kind. Remember everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." - Harry Thompson
"I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom I provide and then questions the manner in which I provide it." - A Few Good Men
posted on May 21, 2003 05:00:13 AM new
Had a great time at Myrtle Beach.
We did have one of our own have an accident. Got his foot crushed. Looks like it will be okay in a couple months. Amen. a little pray for Tim would be nice.
Here's some sites for politically incorrect jokes:
posted on May 21, 2003 05:06:32 AM new
I cannot understand the appeal of jokes that poke fun at other people's disabilities, but I know a lot of people that think they are hysterical. My solution is to rudely walk away from anyone telling one. Of course, this is after the old eye roll and loud sigh routine. The same one I used to use on my mother when she'd say, "Don't you roll your eyes at me." LOL. To each his own, I suppose. It's not up to me to dictate what someone finds funny. It's up to me to walk away from the things I find offensive.
