Seems like every week I read in the newspaper or see on
Facebook that someone is bent out of shape about something someone else said;
and is suing, protesting, or just generally lashing out. On the surface, this
seems reasonable. However, many times the things that are said are done in
humor. Have we become so overly sensitive that we can’t take a joke anymore?
I was taught as a child to be considerate of others
feelings. That included not saying hurtful things. My parents were fun-loving
people; and they both knew how to inject humor into just about any situation. I
learned that “poking fun” in a non-hurtful way was harmless; but even this now
seems to be off limits. If comedians stop poking fun at themselves, their
families, or others; how will they write their material?
Many times when the average person attempts humor, the words
that come out of our mouths go too far; and as soon as we’ve said them we wish
we could take them back. We should be apologetic for these instances to the
appropriate people. However, I don’t believe we should be condemned or
ostracized for life because we simply made a blunder. After all, it is just a
mistake; and we all make them.
I know that sometimes celebrities and others in the public
eye cross the line. When this happens it seems they are blasted from every
angle. They may lose their job or be boycotted. Should they be made to pay
dearly for voicing their opinion? I think not. I believe we should just chalk
these instances up to a bad joke or possibly plain old stupidity.
The point I’m trying to make here is that we all need to
lighten up. Life is much too short to sweat the small stuff. Don’t we all have
bigger things to worry about? So remember, “Sticks and stones…”; and laugh it
up!
