Hello, my dear Chai-buddies! 😀
I stumbled upon some interesting content this morning that informed me about the celebration of International Jokes Day 😜on the 1st of July. Instantly, my mind wandered back to the labyrinth of my school days. Jokes and I have always had a love-hate relationship 💓💔. You see, during my time at school and within my residential colony (which felt like a bustling ants colony, I must say!), I endured the pain of being targeted with truly ugly and mean-spirited jokes 😔😭😞. However, I was fortunate to have parents, a few teachers, and some friends who knew how to brighten my days with their positive, encouraging, and genuinely humorous jokes that never caused any harm 😍😂. It was during those early experiences that I realized how humour can truly be a double-edged sword ⚔.
I vividly recall the incident involving Will Smith, who swiftly smacked comedian Chris Rock for making jokes that unintentionally sounded like body-shaming remarks about Will's wife. What Chris thought was funny only managed to enrage Will. We encounter such situations almost daily in the workplace, where someone cracks a joke that ends up being misunderstood . It even happens on dates, where one person finds someone funny while others label them as cheap jerks! While many consider a sense of humour to be a desirable trait in a partner, determining the boundaries of acceptable humour can be quite perplexing. This got me pondering: why haven't our schools taught us these valuable lessons? Well, many schools have failed to impart essential life skills anyway! 😅
In today's blog, we will delve into the world of jokes—the good, the bad, and how to use them wisely (with a touch of responsibility! 😉). So, without further ado, let's dive right in.
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| Photo by lil artsy |
The Good Jokes
In a world often burdened with stress and seriousness, the power of jokes cannot be underestimated. A well-crafted joke has the remarkable ability to lighten the mood, create a positive arena, and spread laughter like wildfire. Jokes, those sneaky little wordsmiths, have the magical power to lift spirits and brighten even the gloomiest of days. They serve as social lubricants, breaking down barriers and connecting people through shared laughter. They create a positive arena where people come together, forgetting their differences and embracing a collective joy. A well-timed joke can transform tension into relaxation, turning an awkward situation into a memorable one.
From corny one-liners to witty anecdotes, jokes inject levity into our lives, reminding us not to take ourselves too seriously. In workplaces, jokes can act as morale boosters, fostering camaraderie and team spirit. In social gatherings, they can bridge gaps, creating bonds and fostering a sense of belonging to the party. A positive arena fuelled by humour encourages open communication, fosters creativity, and enhances overall well-being.
Jokes are the catalysts that ignite this infectious merriment.
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| Photo by Skylar Kang |
The Bad Jokes
It is however, essential to tread carefully, as jokes can sometimes take a wrong turn, leading to negative consequences. Not all jokes are created equal. In the wrong hands, jokes can deviate from their positive path and take a sinister turn. Insensitive and offensive jokes can perpetuate stereotypes, marginalize certain groups, and inflict emotional harm. Jokes that rely on bigotry, discrimination, or cruelty can quickly transform a light-hearted moment into an ugly spectacle, leaving scars that are not easily healed. It is crucial to exercise sensitivity and empathy when wielding the power of humour.
For example - someone making a joke like: "Why employers in Canada wouldn't hire the Sikhs? - Because Canada is cold and they would always be on Si-(kh)-ck leave!". This has hints of racism in it. And if you happen to make it as a white American especially in the vicinity of a person from the Sikh community, well, you are clearly out of line here. And here, if someone responds with something like: "Well, despite this, they immigrate the Sikhs because the Canadians' CAN is infected by ADA" - you see, it's clearly stirring a war of words than spreading joy!
In some contexts at dates or with your colleague at school or work, some punch line jokes can sound extremely weird and derogatory, for example: "Dating me is like being in a rickshaw on a potholed road – one helluva ride, which you will never miss again in your life!", or something like: "That's why you are single - cause You rejected all the rickshawalas for Tesla drivers - fine taste indeed - Good choice!" or something targeting Indian parenting style like: "You must love it hard with binds since You grow up in Jails. I used to be a Jailer!". They might be appreciably reciprocated by some in some other contexts!
So, the point is - how to crack jokes which would be funny to majority ('cause let's be real, we cannot please literally everyone on the planet), while at the same time never be harmful or stir controversies around any sensitive issues, especially those pertaining to their ethnicities.
Remember the jokers from circus - some are funny, while others are reasons behind horror story plots.
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| Photo by Pia Kafanke: |
Humour with responsibility
- Is it intentionally harmful to any one? It's crucial to ensure that the joke doesn't target or belittle someone, cause emotional distress, or perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Jokes should be light-hearted and inclusive, never intending to harm or offend others.
- Does it or will it stir comments about someone's ethnicity in a negative way? Ethnicity is a sensitive topic, and jokes that involve stereotypes or derogatory remarks can lead to hurtful and offensive comments. It is essential to be aware of cultural sensitivities and avoid jokes that may perpetuate harmful biases or discrimination.
- Does it consider the context and the audience? Not all jokes are suitable for every situation or audience. It's important to gauge the atmosphere and understand the preferences and sensitivities of those around you. A joke that may be well-received among close friends may not be appropriate in a professional or diverse setting.
- Does it promote positive interaction and camaraderie? Jokes have the power to foster connections and create a sense of camaraderie. Choose jokes that encourage laughter, open communication, and build bonds among people. Humour should be a tool to unite and uplift, not to demean or isolate.
- Does it trigger anyone's past trauma or haunted memories? At times people find it funny to crack jokes about someone's past if either it is unknown to them and they are curiously driven to it's mysteries; or, they know something about it - details of which they use as a joke. It's imperative to understand that we weren't exactly in someone's shoes so, it's best to not dig out the past in the present platter. Indeed if done to you, you wouldn't like the taste of the rotten piece of shit - a tiny bit!
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