On 5 Jul 2006 15:43:22 -0700, "Arthur Brain"
Nothing like being 'direct', I suppose.
That directness is really just being a jerk.
I have heard the English tell some hilarious Oz jokes over here, which have been really detrimental, and as an Ozzie, I have never taken offense.
Rather the opposite, they were actually worthy of a good laugh, and I have even told them to my friends, who found them equally funny and clever.
Yet I have seen those very same joke tellers get upset when called a 'Pom'.
Makes you wonder if the possible racism from a joke has more to do with your perception of yourself, as the receiver, rather than any real intention of racism from the joke teller.
On the other hand, I have never been one of a minority race in a country, so I don't know what it would be like to be on the receiving end from that point of view.
Seems that one of the traits of humanity is to be tactless, with or without intent, and national idiosyncrasies are just too good an opportunity to miss for the occasional bit of fun.
I'd keep telling the jokes and have a bit of fun if I was you - just be prepared to duck the occasional left hook.
Artie...
