*sigh*...there's no winning...I did appreciate Bob Schwarer's comment "...there are those who have found a career in being offended."

....I have said myself that there are folks whose major hobby is flaunting their ethnic heritage and being offended at any remarks about it. I am Scots-Irish, and I care about and appreciate my history...but the jokes about it seldom bother me, IF they are good jokes, because most humorous stereotypes are based on 'some' exaggerated truth. The trick is in NOT being cruel and NOT simply using hateful jokes to belittle ANY group. It takes some listening & thinking to separate a clever, but rude joke from a friendly, funny one. If in doubt, wait!...and the remark about MEMBERS of a group having freedom to make reamrks that outsiders shouldn't, is right on!....

I worked once for a Russian Jew in a salvage yard...gruff old fellow who exemplified several sterotypes..*grin*..one day, we were unloading a truck, we almost dropped a piece of machinery as Dave watched..

"Hey..be careful, there...that's worth money!", he said, "You break it, we have to shoot you!"

"Oh, Dave", replied my co-worker, "You gonna line us up by the shed there?"

"No", replied Dave, straight-faced, "we tie you...back -to-back...save one bullet!"

We were astounded..Dave NEVER made jokes, but he did then...and it was a joke that only HE could make..we would never have made a 'tightwad Jewish joke'...but it was funny HEARING it from him.

Here in this forum, we have had many 'offenses'...some intentional, some innocent...and I'm sure there will be more....both sides need to be careful. Not every remark needs to be placed under a microscope...but not every remark needs to be made, either!