That’s Racist S1:E10 | Why Do Racist Jokes Exist?

Everyone has in their back pockets a few racial jokes to get a few laughs. Whether it be an outrageous accent or a joke about pot smoking Jamaicans – racial jokes are out there and are as popular as ever. Comedy has always been a medium in which people talk about racial stereotypes.

Everyone is secretly thinking it, so why not make a joke about it?

Comedy has forever had the power of taking hot topic issues and turning them into a laughing matter for all to enjoy. No harm no foul if it is just a joke – right? Humor is an incredible tool that can be used for numerous meanings.

The two main meanings would be a tool to hurt someone and bring them down or a tool to heal wounds and bring people together on a common ground. We live in a world where both tools are used frequently – but the job of a comedian is primarily to use the last tool and bring people together with jokes and laughter.

Comedians can use racial jokes as a way to simplify the issues and take away the initial threat that comes about when people begin bringing down races. It is healthy is be able to laugh at yourself and find the stereotypes that exist within your culture. So all this being said – racial jokes can be hilarious!

But we have a responsibility to make sure lines are never crossed to where jokes are being used to hurt people intentionally. Laughter really is the best medicine and even more so when it is being used as a tool to bridge gaps and create common ground for people all over the world.