In what way are they not dismissive? If someone was to suggest, for instance, that I was sat in a bar enjoying myself while everyone else was doing their job, would that not be dismissive of me or at least my attitude? I know full well what black humour is but I do not see the relevance here. Humour can be a very effective tool in dismissing someone else, or their viewpoint.

Please note though that this is an above the line music thread and not a political soapbox. I am asking for examples of such songs and arguing whether they are such songs or not is probably about as productive as trying to define folk music :-)

Just a thought (to the world in general rather any one person) would any of Kipling's 'Barrack Room Ballads' form part of this discussion? Or, because Kipling was not part of the 'common soldiery' himself would they be discounted? Did the soldiers at the time appreciate Kipling's work or were they not even aware of it? Just wondering.

Cheers

Dave