Have We Lost Our Sense of Humor?

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!