People should have the right to tell any joke they like - even if it is politically incorrect, according to a British academic.
Professor Christie Davies of the Social Affairs Unit think-tank is concerned that political correctness is making many joke-tellers hesitant about sharing their humour.
He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme jokes were necessary to relieve tension and subvert established orders, and he has published a pamphlet called The Right to Joke.
Should people have the right to tell politically incorrect jokes regardless of how offensive they are?
This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.
The following comments reflect the balance of views we have received:
If something makes an audience laugh then it should be classed as healthy. To repress their imaginations over a matter so politically incorrect that it be classed as taboo is to take away any sensible perspective of that matter. And what would be left? Ominousness and inapproachability.
C O'Sullivan, Birmingham, England
You are really faced with two choices when dealing with a catastrophic issue: laugh or cry. Crying leaves morose and no better than you were when the matter first arose. Laughter at least let's you see that there is something to life beyond this and that you can cope. But with that comes the caveat that you must accept that what you find funny others will not and vice versa. Political correctness threatens to make society operate on the least common denominator of emotions and rob us of our selves.
Gregg, Mechanicsville, Va., USA Irony and satire are an integral part of British humour, and, by definition, are likely to be un-PC.
Colin Hughes, Leamington Spa, England
Feeling offence at someone else's sense of humour is a small price to pay for freedom of speech!
Lawrence, Sheffield, UK
People should adopt the South Park view. Anything is a target for a joke regardless of what is correct. If everybody thought like that then the differences between people that require political correctness would blur away.
Martin Smith, UK
I agree people should be allowed to tell any joke they like and for those you don't think appropriate then you should give the teller the reason why.
Rae Cleghorn, Galashiels, The Scottish Borders
I daren't comment in case I upset somebody!
Mags, Oxford, UK
Anything that stops people laughing has to be a good thing.....or is that a politically incorrect comment?
Martin, Northern England
Frankly, I don't approve of "censorship". But I believe in good manners. We need agreed standards, but the force of law should be absent
Bob Harvey, Lincs, UK
I feel that if you are not willing to make a joke out of everything, you should make jokes about anything.
Zak, England
People need to decide what is going just a tad too far. People may be making jokes about Morecambe cocklers but my sister's husband is a lifeboat man there and helped rescue each body they found and lay it out in the lifeboat station. He had been up all night with the rescue effort and was so upset when he got home he still couldn't sleep. A joke about that, to me, is extremely unfunny as people don't see that side of things and if it was applied to a situation regarding their family they too wouldn't find it funny. I'm not adverse to a giggle about life but sometimes people go too far in the name of "a joke".
Liz, Manchester, UK
The difference should be whether humour is at the expense of someone or not. That type of humour, with the exception of politicians who are subhuman anyway, should not be aired.
Graham, UK
No way, there's too much censorship. Tell it like it is!
Lee Colbran, Worthing, UK
 |  Where to draw the line is the problem we all have as an inclusive or exclusive society  |
I had a rather heated debate with my mother (a social worker) yesterday about why she shouldn't use such prejudicial terms as Half-Caste. She didn't get it. But, when thinking to myself about how un-PC she was, I realised that everyday I tell jokes about gay people like me, I told the jokes about the recent horrendous deaths in Morecombe, I've told some of the nastiest jokes, but still laughed. I think, however, that there is a degree. Un-PC yes, but outright racist etc, No.
But where to draw the line is the problem we all have as an inclusive or exclusive society, and those decisions now could have a direct effect upon how the next few generations act. Wasn't it only a few years ago that it was 'right' to call a black person coloured, so for generations we did? If we think now, we can save time in educating the future generations.
Kalvin Chapman, Hull, UK Humour is, pretty much by definition, an observation about a situation which is not inherently "normal". A joke labelled racist simply regards belonging to a particular race as normal, a sexist joke regards one sex's behaviour as normal and a joke about a disaster is based on the fact that it wasn't a normal event. For as long as we allow minority groups to censor our speech with claims of finding things offensive we will stifle creativity and breed resentment. If you tell a joke and someone finds it offensive that's the chance you take. It's called knowing the audience. For myself I wouldn't tell a joke about blacks in the presence of a black person and I keep the jokes about nuns in the bath for when my mother-in-law isn't visiting.
John B, UK
Well most peoples' view of political correctness is that it is a joke and the professor should see that he compounds it by thinking we need 'permission' to enjoy or make one. The humour is in the perception after all!
Roger Sarjeant, Desborough, Northants
I am Scottish and perfectly happy to hear funny jokes involving the mean nature of Scots.(I am less keen on stupid comments regarding `sweaties`.) However, if I were Irish , I believe that I would take exception to `jokes` about my nation being stupid. In conclusion, therefore, I would say that people have the right to tell politically incorrect jokes and listeners who disagree with the content have the right to correct the teller of the offensive joke.
Jim Barr, Eastbourne, England
Heaven help us if the PC wet blankets get their way. Life will be so depressing without humour!
John, UK
Censor all political correctness instead.
Phil, UK
Heard the one about the PC brigade who sat alone in a corner while the rest of the world had fun?!
MS, London
No. If you don't like it, don't laugh! Grow up!
Laurence, Cambridge
| Most of us know when to restrain our humour when we need to |
Get a grip! There is nothing wrong with a harmless joke. Most of us know when to restrain our humour when we need to. If the jokes are too bad, they usually fade away - because there is no point in cracking them if no one laughs!
James, Dorset, UK Does this mean that jokes about the victims of September 11th are acceptable?
John Gibson, Newcastle, UK
If one doesn't want to listen to politically incorrect jokes he/she should go live in the Soviet Union. Oops, must first build one again... But that's simple - start with banning the jokes...
Vladimir, London, UK
With the freedom to tell a joke, is also the freedom not to laugh at a joke that is rooted in laughing at some-one, rather than laughing at the ridiculous and farce of any situation, no matter how tragic. To reveal fresh insight and perspective. So jokes about concentration camps, disablement and colour are all possible. Though it might really depend on who's telling them, as to whether they have that special insight to make a good joke against a crude and demeaning one.
Barry B, UK
Forget about censorship, I just don't want to be near racist pond life.
Jonathan, Herts, UK
If you can't laugh.....you'll cry!
Brendan , Belfast
Oh...... how boring and colourless the PC brigade are. Much healthier to laugh at ourselves and stop taking our differences so seriously.... come on and lighten up!
Steve Hawkins, Waltham Abbey, UK
Joking about the bad things in life is a way of saying you can take whatever life throws at you and come out laughing. It's certainly healthier than the alternative approach (getting depressed and wondering if life is worth living.)
Ray G, London, England
People do have the right to tell offensive jokes. I just wish they wouldn't.
Jake, London
Whether people have the 'right' or not, they will still be told. Surely it's better to air these thoughts so they can at least be challenged (if need be). The biggest lesson to be learned must surely be.....learn to Laugh at yourself first, then no-one else can touch you, 'cause you are aware of your own weaknesses and also through letting go of said ego, you can get to like yourself. HEY PRESTO NO MORE WARS OR HATRED.
Daryn Garlinge, Ashford, Kent
Broadly speaking, I think PC needs abolishing. It's making us all so fearful. If you don't want to offend someone, just keep your mouth shut. Open it and you'll be bound to upset somebody sooner or later!
Bob, Bristol
As long as they are choosing the jokes so as not to offend those they're telling them to, it should be OK. We're getting far too sensitive about something that is a natural phenomena - some people will ALWAYS find the funny side of some things that are not considered funny by others.
Ian Tomlin, Kent, England Absolutely not. Bremner is an oasis and many others like him. If we take everything too seriously and become all pious and miserable, surely we will then become that which the majority despises. I think the government would then have problems with people disassociating from 'the system'. If they try censoring humour, what does that say about people in power?
Max Richards, England
It's nice to see for once I agree with the general opinion on Have Your Say!
Edward Simpson, London
I think political correctness in itself has gone too far. As long as what is being said is not offensive to those listening and not meant too seriously, nobody is being hurt by it. Surely most people have the intelligence to be able to discern what will offend, what is a joke etc. Un-PC jokes go both ways, so it is also a matter of being able to laugh at oneself. I think the whole issue is being taken much too seriously.
Sam Heslop, London, UK
A joke's a joke. If people don't understand then it's their hard cheese.
Hector McTavish, Scotland
I have seen people use a crusade against 'political correctness' as an excuse to make jokes which are unacceptably offensive. Generally, if the humour is good natured, and not continually directed at the same group of people, then only the most uptight complain. However, there is nothing worse than an unfunny 'non-PC' joke.
James, Cambridge, UK
I am always amused by people who regard the concept of political correctness as ludicrous and yet object to the F and C word - they're only words.
Dave W, UK
I am aware of PC and in my work situation (a university library), we are told to be PC at all times when speaking to staff and students etc. However, I heard jokes last week about Morecambe Bay and even Harold Shipman from another member of staff, and I couldn't contain my control. I laughed as I found the punch-lines really funny. It's just human nature, especially if you have a sense of humour yourself. Mine can be a bit 'black' at times.
Allan, Cardiff, Wales
Laughing is a very good medicine. As long as there are jokes, we can stay healthy. Carry on...laughing!
Alex Keel, London, UK
Political correctness is a joke in itself. It is also a very sinister force if taken to extremes. It feeds on insensitivity and it would be great if we could become more sensitive to others without having PC foist on us. By all means be politically incorrect, but be sensitive to others' feelings who are being joked about.
David Parsons, Dartford, UK
Of course it shouldn't be censored, there is already enough restrictions on freedom without making jokes the subject of it too.
Anonymous
A joke is only a joke. However, as any pro entertainer will tell you, you have to know your audience.
John Lawrence, Southampton, UK
| Part of the trouble with society these days is that we've forgotten how to laugh at ourselves |
Part of the trouble with society these days is that we've forgotten how to laugh at ourselves and each other...humour can diffuse so many awkward situations and political correctness has done nothing to alleviate racism, sexism or any other "ism". Let us laugh and acknowledge the healing, unifying power of laughter...
Sally, Lincolnshire Anyone who takes offence when it is not intended is a fool. Anyone who takes offence when it is intended is an even bigger fool.
Chris Klein, Chandlers Ford UK
Political correctness has really gone too far. People should be able to tell whatever jokes they like, within the boundaries of good taste.
Joan Mezec, St Brelade, Jersey
Is political correctness what rude people call having to be polite?
Lee Hambly, UK
Political correctness is an insidious, creeping form of censorship which has no real standard but is used by different people to create false worlds where they hear only what they want to hear. It is the true enemy of expression. As far as I am concerned, all matters are open to humour. Let the natural instinct of laughter be the judge - if nobody laughs, it isn't funny and will shrivel and die.
Dave, York, UK
I'm the only female in an otherwise all-male department and the sexist humour runs thick and fast, but there is no malice in it and much of it is extremely funny. If the guys overstep the mark then I say so. I can't see a problem.
Kathy, UK
Yes I don't agree with censorship, particularly of humour. By it's very nature a lot of humour is politically incorrect, those who go to far into blatant racism tend to loose audience and friends all on their own.
Colin Wright, UK
PC is getting out of hand and will lead to greater resentment if we feel we cannot say what is on our mind. We should be free to speak our minds on any subject without being told we are 'sexist', 'racist' or 'xenophobic'. I am what I am and I will say so! My goodness, it's getting like a police state!
Andy Howlett, England
| I think if you are in doubt about how offensive a joke could be then don't tell it! |
It depends what you describe as politically incorrect, if you are talking about mother in law jokes or sexist jokes then I think that there is a time and a place for these jokes but if you are talking about blatant racist or homophobic jokes designed at causing offence I think that is a different matter. Basically I think if you are in doubt about how offensive a joke could be then don't tell it!
Cat, Cambridge UK Yes people should have the right to tell jokes if they are politically incorrect or net, this is a democracy we live in and free speech is our right.
Shaun Thomas, Rotherham
Have you ever read a funny joke in a Xmas Cracker? Nope, neither have I. Some of the funniest jokes are politically incorrect!
Vince, UK
No, they should not be censored. Freedom of speech would be non-existent if people could only say things that are politically correct. What is offensive to one person is humour to another. If people can paint whatever they like in the name of art, regardless of how morally offensive it may be to some, then certainly people should have the freedom of verbal expression.
Sally, UK
Off hand, I cannot think of a single joke that doesn't have a victim, somewhere along the line. Perhaps it is not the jokes that are inappropriate but rather the audiences to which they are told?
Mike Eagling, UK
How many politically correct people does it take to change a light bulb? None, they are all too busy moaning and ensuring that no one has fun. The world has gone mad I tell you.
Rollasoc, Telford, UK
Talk of any form of censorship in humour is almost funny in itself, (almost funny but not actually funny). What next? Let's go back and erase all those sexist Benny Hill comedies from existence, as well as practically every other comedy while you're at it. Most comedy, if not all, makes a politically incorrect or unfair slight on peoples/races/cultures, and rightly so, if there weren't humour to make everyone smile we'd all die from boredom!
Christopher Hogarty, Oxford, UK The problem of political correctness lies not in the words that make up the joke, but the context. I've listened to groups of people tell racist jokes that were 'funny' because of the shared us-vs-them attitude and the dehumanisation of the butt of the joke. I've heard the same jokes being funny when used in a conservation with a group of mixed race. They brought the group together through teaching and laughter at the same time.
Corin, Cambridge, UK
There is a difference between telling politically incorrect jokes and being insensitive, a darker sense of humour is more important today than ever, as we become increasingly aware of the tragic and more sinister elements of modern living.
Matt, Edinburgh
Absolutely - there would be a lot less misery in the world if people realised that far more offence is taken than is ever met - on the other hand people cannot use the excuse of it was just a joke to cover up statements that are truly offensive - even if you don't personally find something funny, you should still be able to tell if something was meant to be a joke from context and inflection.
Stuart Sands, London, England
I believe in the absolute right to freedom of speech-Jokes included. Whether you find them un-funny or offensive is up to you. Sometimes you do not know whether to laugh or cry!
Mark, Bicester, England
Should people have the right to tell 'politically incorrect' jokes? - of course. But they also must accept that such jokes can bring social consequences. The recipients and targets of such jokes have as much right to respond as the jester has to speak. The limits of jokes are always subject to such ongoing social negotiation - as in this survey.
Frank Davey, London, Canada Humour is a very human way of dealing with stressful situations. To put a block on the natural flow of humorous comments because they are seen as politically incorrect or 'inappropriate' is dangerous and can only lead to people venting their emotions in much more dangerous ways. Don't they say that laughter is the best medicine - sometimes we have to laugh at the terrible and tragic to make it bearable.
Jill Cockerham, Leeds, UK
Absolutely, the truth is everyone finds something offensive - because it's such a subjective thing. You will always be able to offend someone. Joking is a way to communicate humour, and sometimes that humour offends people, but as Jefferson said: "I might not like what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it". Enough said.
Charlotte Saunders, London UK
I do not see why comedians and others should be censored in any way about making jokes, as it one way we can start to deal with certain tragedies (Challenger, Morecambe Bay etc.) Of course there should be a certain amount of time before people start to joke about these things to allow families and relatives to grieve but if you miss a certain time the joke becomes stale and if you go too early, it's just offensive. By saying this I realise I am contradicting myself but in my opinion everything is fair game, as long as it done in relatively good taste.
Robert Allan, Edinburgh, Scotland
I think that it is right to tell un-pc jokes. In fact aren't all the decent joke un-PC? If we became as consumed about PC as the Americans have then the only jokes where allowed to tell would be the one out of Christmas crackers (that would be terrible). It is terrible that people can no longer take a joke any more. Surely in this high stress hi technological world we live in it is good to share a laugh and a joke.
Andrew Kirkman, UK
Why shouldn't we joke about the more risqu� things? A joke's a joke after all, and if it remains a joke, then what's the harm?! Furthermore, by joking about such trivial matters, it alleviates the tension and seriousness of the matter somewhat, and makes us feel more able to face the matter, deal with it and then move on. Life is far too short to dwell on things, however serious the matter may be.
Gemma Riley, Winsford, Cheshire
| Some so called "jokes" are too repugnant for laughing |
Some so called "jokes" are too repugnant for laughing: In particular, all attempts to joke about concentration camps turned out ill-fated so far in my view. However, as long as I can voice my reaction react freely - which excludes the workplace and TV - I would not want to have any restriction imposed on the speaker other than my reaction. In TV and in the tabloids, other standards should apply to ensure that the group that is joked about can defend itself.
Martin, Duisburg/Germany The taboo-breaking power of humour is something that is vital not only to our freedom of expression, but to our ability to look at things in new and sometimes disturbing ways. Joking isn't just about making light of things, it's also about sharply and cleverly making observations about things - trivial or otherwise - that we feel are important. The cult of 'political correctness' can all too easily slide into outright though-control, and though some of us may find certain topics distasteful, censorship can only be the thin end of a very dangerous wedge.
Paul Barrows, Nottingham, England
Any humorous situation that does not set out to be-little, insult or undermine any person, event or situation etc. should be seen as acceptable. If we're prevented from seeing the lighter side of life what a boring existence we face. For every white joke there's a black equivalent, for every sad situation there's scope to make it seem less serious. Obviously timing is all important.
Ian C, Midlands
They certainly should! Let's face it, practically all humour is based around someone's misfortune. The prat fall, the domineering mother-in-law, etc. Imagine Laurel and Hardy if no-one ever fell over, had heavy items fall on them, drove a collapsing car, or took all day to deliver a piano up a slope. If you remove any reference to what is now labelled as 'political incorrectness', you kill the joke, you sterilise it. You might as well ban humour.
Martin, Swindon, UK
Yes, of course. People here mainly hesitate before they tell racist jokes. For a time, there was some reticence regarding political jokes as well, but I hasten to add that one can never squelch humanity's need for humour, and I think that the desire to make fun is alive and strong, despite the article's claims.
Saskia, Los Angeles, CA
Political correctness forces people to bottle their deepest fears and feelings. But bottle them for long enough and the pressure turns the inevitable outburst to anger and venom. Black humour gives a safe vent to these fears and feelings. It provides a safety valve that is capped at society's peril.
Stuart J. McGetrick, Guelph, Ontario Canada We need to retain our droll, cynical sense of black humour. It is virtually unique in the world. As soon as we start pussy-footing around risky issues like animal rights and death, we turn into the type of bland multi-culturalist that plagues America and Europe.
Tom Waterworth, UK
Have people never heard the saying 'you have either got to laugh or cry'? Jokes, even unfunny ones, relieve tension and provide an outlet for people's frustration.
Richard, London, UK
Absolutely. When people are forced to abide by politically correct rules all the time, they end up stressed and snapping at each other. Telling jokes is part of the coping mechanism, it's how we know we can relax and trust each other.
Jack Howard, Leeds, UK
Of course they should be told. Humour can be a self defence mechanism. It's a form of expression that allows us to deal with traumatic events. As the old saying goes, you either laugh or cry.
A Jones, Swansea
The article is "spot on" regarding humour in the US. The PC police have killed humour in the workplace entirely. The wrong word in a joke can result in termination and even jail. Even outside the workplace, humour must be whispered. Local talk radio refers to "The Soviet of Portland, Oregon".
Steven Wallace, Vancouver, us
Surely it's about what is really offensive rather than somebody's idea of what should be - for example many find swearing offensive and yet it goes on unchecked on TV. Let's have a level playing field.
Bill, UK
| I find the most politically incorrect jokes are usually the funniest, perhaps because they are taboo |
I find the most politically incorrect jokes are usually the funniest, perhaps because they are taboo. I think all jokes should be allowed to be told, for what they are, a light-hearted way of dealing with often difficult situations. If you take away this avenue, it will only breed resentment.
R Callister, UK Yes it is a good way to get rid of tension. Black humour is a great cure when you are feeling down we all should laugh at ourselves.
Graham Beckton, Gayhurst, England
Absolutely, people should have the right to tell whatever jokes they please - is this not covered under the definition of 'freedom of speech?' People only want to censor comments when they personally feel under attack, but the beauty of political incorrectness is that sooner or later, everyone is targeted, everyone's in the same boat. If a certain sketch is to focus on one thing and be particularly brutal, a disclaimer should precede it, but other than that, let people say what they have to say - humour is one of the safest and most effective releases.
Heather, NC, US
The 'PC' environment is a form of suppression, if you cannot laugh at 'it', it is more likely you don't understand it or cannot see another side which may be more relevant than the one being presented. Please don't make me laugh!
John Tierney, Buckingham, England
Of course! Some of them are extremely funny. We have too many rules as it is.
Gregory Leadbitter, Hungerford, England
Making light of a dark situation is in human nature. Joking about disaster is a way of releasing fear and making the disaster seem less important. We have to laugh at the bleak and dark or we'd go mad.
Andrew Kenny, Manchester UK
As long as you wouldn't be upset if people told jokes about the death of a member of your family, you can make jokes about the Morecambe Bay tragedy.
Pat, Manchester
Of course jokes often take the pain out of an event that can be very emotional.
David Forster, Ashford, Kent, UK
People should be able to tell whatever jokes they want. It is about time the relentless tide of political correctness was halted and it's also time people stopped being so touchy about what is said. I've been hearing sexist jokes for years from my various sources and have never been offended by them. Political correctness is going mad in this country and the time will come when you can't say anything at all for fear of offending someone.
Vik, UK
One-Minute World News 
News services
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
