An Italian, a Scotsman and a Chinaman,

[alanmj Banned Find all posts View Profile Close alanmj]

I am having issues with the racist nature of this one.

Two aspects worry me about your post Glitter Brunello.

The first is that you are a Super Moderator, so you've been around these boards a long time and know what is and isn't acceptable.

The second is that you are a Super Moderator, and as such your views are taken as indicative/representative of those who moderate these boards.

THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT JOKE! IT IS A JOKE, AND A VERY FUNNY ONE AT THAT!

Having spent time in China, I know that the Chinese have equally funny/offensive (your choice -depends on how PC you are!) jokes about gwailo.

Get off your high horse Glitter Brunello. If you can't, then stop reading these pages. Leave them for the rest of us who are wise enough know the difference between being funny and being offensive.

[CarolF Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close CarolF]

Australia has close ties with Asia and from my point of view, the joke is very racist. I'm not offended and certainly not asking for it to be deleted, it just makes me cringe with embarrassment.

[alanmj Banned Find all posts View Profile Close alanmj]

Australia has close ties with Asia and from my point of view, the joke is racist. I'm not offended, it just makes me cringe with embarrassment.

The word "racist" is very loaded, and should not be used lightly.

The definition of racist is (from Dictionary.com, but the same language is in many other dictionaries I have just consulted):
rac·ism   [rey-siz-uhm] –noun
1. a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to rule others.
2. a policy, system of government, etc., based upon or fostering such a doctrine; discrimination.
3. hatred or intolerance of another race or other races.

The joke exhibits none of those qualities. It is merely making fun of the general inability of the Chinese to roll their R's and make them come out as L's.

Having worked and lived in multicultural societies, what one person finds embarrassing others find perfectly acceptable. Take the word "Black". Black people I know in esp. USA and S.Africa are proud of their heritage and the word is usually used with dignity and respect. But in many other parts of the world that are less experienced at multiculturalism, such as Ireland when I used it there, it is thought an insult and demeaning, possibly even "racist".

Not at all sure what Australia having close ties to Asia has anything to do with this. China and Japan's biggest trading partner is the USA, by far. Are you only offended when there are personal links?

But, in your case you are not a Super Moderator, "just" an ordinary poster like the rest of us. So whilst you may be offended, it does not imply the same attempt at authoritarian discipline that Glitter Brunello's post does.

[ArtsieAng Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close ArtsieAng]

I think its time to close this thread.

The OP's (RESORT2ME) intent was to provide entertainment. He posted "Jokes are meant to be fun." He certainly wasn't aware of any conflict the joke might cause.

Since each is entitled to their own opinion, and what one finds innocent humor, another might find offensive, I think its time to let this go.

This thread seems to be turning into a "what is, or what is not" racist, thread.

That was never the intent of the OP.