How to Be Politically Correct When Telling Jokes

As political correctness becomes more prevalent, various types of humor are becoming less acceptable. Follow these guidelines to entertain your friends without causing any offense.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Joke Books

1. Assess the group of people you're telling jokes to and try to gauge who might be offended by what.

2. Tell any jokes that seem appropriate for the group at hand, avoiding racial, ethnic, sexual or other types of humor that may make certain audience members uncomfortable.

3. Be extra careful when telling jokes around strangers or casual acquaintances. Old friends will forgive minor offenses, but an inappropriate comment may prevent others from becoming your friend in the first place.

4. Be extremely careful when joking with potential clients or business partners. In this type of situation, it's often best to remain professional and keep the humor at a minimum.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't assume it's safe to tell an off-color joke in a homogeneous group, as this type of humor often makes people uncomfortable regardless of their background.

on 8/8/2006 When reading about political correctness, keep in mind this is a communication style for the weakest links in our society and don't take it seriously. Use common sense, don't be rude, and don't make a fool out of yourself.

on 6/30/2006 Pretend the priest (or clergyman) at your place of worship were sitting next to you when you tell the joke. A decent person would temper the offensiveness of the joke. However, if you're not smart enough to do that, then follow what the other guy said.

on 11/22/2005 Avoid calling us "guys," "dudes," "boys," and "studs." "Men" is the politically correct term.

on 11/22/2005 Be careful when telling G. W. Bush and Al Gore jokes! You're bound to offend someone in the group. It's probably ok to go after the Green Party - they're more liberal, have a sense of humor and know it's, unfortunately, a lost cause.

on 11/22/2005 There is no such thing as a politically correct joke. That is an oxymoron if I've ever heard one. Jokes usually mean to make light of or poke fun at something and, therefore, will be incorrect to somebody. I'm with Steve on this one! Just don't bother.