"Lots of problems in the world would not exist if each person's web of respect and compassion stretched far enough to allow them to imagine the circumstances of distant individuals, of other species, even of the planet, more vividly and with some empathy."

That is absolutely right. Bad taste is bad taste end of story. having a private joke may be fair enough but when you put something on a public forum you should be aware that it may offend. Likewise in the media now some appear totally unaware of how cruel they are being and beleive it is those who would take offence that are to blame

http://news.stv.tv/scotland/highlands-islands/285752-matthew-wright-sparks-outrage-over-lewis-murder-comments/