Now, White Hart, that's what I call funny.

Kieran, maybe you're the most sorted, well-adjusted bisexual I've met to date. Or maybe you've got issues you haven't faced up to yet. No way I can know, and I certainly hope it's the former. But I've never known someone who was homosexual or bisexual who wasn't affected by the language of hate that surrounds our sexuality. And I mean no one. Yes, if a close friend, in the right context, makes certain comments, the joke is understood. But when acquaintances and work colleagues make daily references to this or that being (guess I can't use words based on sexuality, as race is off, so just think of a derogatory word based on sexuality), so as to suggest that it is weak or less than manly (or overly butch for women) - then I get offended. The people telling these jokes are not doing so in a context of making fun of the bigotry, they just don't know any better. And often trying to explain why they are being offensive is met by blank looks.

When is a joke not just a joke? When it is based on a premise of hate. The 'ten-a-penny' joke was based on hate, and as such is racist.

In this case, she should have known better.

As for the joke itself, it depends of your point of view. Im my opinion the funny jokes are the ones with a ring of truth. since this race arent 10 a penny in this country, this is just a racist, schoolyard joke. for an adult to re-tell it is disgraceful.

However, if you trult believed the english were in danger of being wiped out by foreigners, you may find it funny. I dont know.

And Jay Jay, it' a shame you cant laugh at yourself, it makes life so much more fun. (anyone who's seen me drunk will realise if i didnt laugh at my antics, i'd cry!)

Now Cat, I thought you knew me well enough that I laugh at myself on a regular occassion (I usually have plenty of reason) and make fun of myself regularly. I'm not one to take myself too seriously.

But I still stand on my point that words, through social context, have power, and some need to be handled with care.

Which doesn't mean I don't take the mick out of myself for being a big old queen from time to time. But context is everything.

---

by White Hart
Ian Duncan Smith throws out a member of the shadow cabinet for telling a racist joke. When someone asks him, 'Why did you do that?' he replies 'Racists are ten a penny in my party'.

---

Tisk, tisk, a joke aimed at the Conservatives, yet that's exceptable, double standards much

---

by Jayjay
Kieran, maybe you're the most sorted, well-adjusted bisexual I've met to date

---

Yep, tis me I don't know, I've just never had a problem with it. All my friends are straight, save one and I never really saw an issue. Being bisexual doesn't define me, it's not who I am. I've no desire to march in gay pride or be in your face queer, because it's only one part of me. I deal, I move on. Besides, with A levels coming up, I've got bigger fish to fry.

---

by KieranFrost
Tisk, tisk, a joke aimed at the Conservatives, yet that's exceptable, double standards much

---

Actually, what I thought was funny was not the target but how well they had managed to create an apt satire based on the original joke.

---

by KieranFrost
Yep, tis me I don't know, I've just never had a problem with it. All my friends are straight, save one and I never really saw an issue. Being bisexual doesn't define me, it's not who I am. I've no desire to march in gay pride or be in your face queer, because it's only one part of me. I deal, I move on. Besides, with A levels coming up, I've got bigger fish to fry.

---

I'm glad you've never had a problem there. Has anyone else ever had a problem with your sexuality? By which I mean, the reason a lot of members of minority groups take offence at the use of terms like this is because these terms have been directed at them in hatred. If no-one has ever verbally or physically attacked you for being what you are, then you may well see no need to take the defensive.

I think you're lucky. I hope things stay that way for you.

---

by White Hart
Has anyone else ever had a problem with your sexuality? By which I mean, the reason a lot of members of minority groups take offence at the use of terms like this is because these terms have been directed at them in hatred. If no-one has ever verbally or physically attacked you for being what you are, then you may well see no need to take the defensive

---

People have, but it never really bothers me. I think I'd have to live in a bubble to be away from homophobic people. I honestly can't tell you why it doesn't both me, maybe I know people can have a problem with it, so when someone hurls an insult at me, it's not like I didn't see it coming. Besides, four of my bestest mates are on the rugby A team. I'm really quite safe from anyone

---

by White Hart
I think you're lucky. I hope things stay that way for you.

---

You know, I've actually had a really crumby day (save Buffy and ER, but that's another matter), but that really has made my day, even if I've only got a hour of that day left

Thank-you