[El Scorcho]

One of the biggest comedians in the country is Carlos Mencia - someone who banks on racial comedy.

Mencia is a joke thief. Just had to put that out there. He's been stealing for years from lots of smaller comedians and he's finally started to be outed for it.

[SuperJon]

I know he steals his stuff (stole a whole bit from Cosby) but I was just pointing out that he's very popular right now.

[Cider Jim]

We always make those jokes on here and everyone knows we're joking about it...Apparently things are different on a computer... People know that I will joke about anything...It was a joke made by a 20 year old who likes to have fun.

John, you may think that this message board is mostly for your college age friends, but it can and is read by many people of all ages all over the world. Many of us are your father's age; some are even your grandfather's age. Most of us are strangers who have never met you. And when you make a "racialist" (not racist) comment, it reflects badly on anyone associated with LU specifically and Christianity in general.

What if our coach's wife or kids or siblings or parents or players read what you wrote? What if JF or JB or DR or JC read it--would they be approving of your comments simply because they were said in an attempt at "humor"? Saying something on a message board is like having it broadcast on the OTGH: it's literally out there for the whole world to read, not just for you roommates or your college buddies to hear.

"I will joke about anything"--that statement is what bothers me the most. Does that include 9-11, war crimes, rape, & abortion? Is anything considered off limits? I want 20 year olds to have fun, but based on what others have said on this board, I wasn't the only one who was offended and embarrassed by your racialist remarks. Please have some sensitivity, John, especially when your audience is mostly strangers (and perhaps minority readers).

[olldflame]

What he said.

[Sly Fox]

I spend a day away from the board and this place blows up again. While I don't believe SJ had any negative intent with his comments, count me among those cringed when I read it. I agree with some of the other old hags on here that I wouldn't deem such comments appropriate on here. What you say amongst friends with whom you have a close established relationship is your business. But on a public forum a little webiquette always goes a long way. As has been pointed out,m we have plenty of visitors on this board and Paul reminds us that we shouldn't do anything that might cause a brother to stumble. Personally jokes of racial overtones fall into this category. Am I overly sensitive in this area? Perhaps. But its my personal opinion.

And I know its not fair, but when comedians of ethnic origin make racial jokes it is considered more kosher because it is self-deprecating humor. When a white guy tells a racial joke about any other race, it becomes laughing at someone instead of with someone. I know Chris Rock jokes about white people and no one cares, but there is not a history of blacks treating whites in America as 3rd class citizens. So the back story generally allows for some indulgences. That's just my opinion.

Since this thread has steered hopelessly away from the original topic ...


But if you guys want to carry this discussion over the Courtyard it would be fine with me.