racist or funny?
You know, people often think I should know where the line is between racism and things being just simply funny … because I’m obviously a culturologist, having a blog and all to make it “official”.
To tell you the truth, I have no idea where the line for humor shouldn’t be crossed. Today, however, I had a small inkling that what I saw could help test this offendometer.
Running around from venue to venue with my new colleague Erick, I had the speediest of speedy lunches in downtown San Diego, at a place called Rockin’ Baja Lobster in the Gaslamp Quarter today. And while I ate the unhealthiest salad and tried to tell myself I was having good calories, because it was tasteless, I took a moment to look away from the baseball screens to take in the glory that is cheap Mexican eatery decor.
What I saw could only be truly relayed with appropriate imagery. You take a gander and determine for yourself what you think…
Please refer the exhibits below:
The Mexican and the Prostitute
The Mexican alone (read his sign)
The Prostitute alone (read her sign)
“Erick, I think I might be a little offended. I mean, I think I should and would be offended at least, if I were Mexican. Right? I can’t even tell what’s wrong anymore.”
“Leyla, Latin people just get offended that much. Maybe we’re just used to it.”
Good point Erick. The only thing missing, is the drunken UCSD frat boy, vomiting at the borderline crossing.
PS: This is apparently from a few movies you might know of …. but really, this just begs the question:
Is this funny or funny haha - racist?Â
I don’t think it’s particularly funny either way, but that’s all subjective.
I also don’t find it racist (disclaimer: I am part HIspanic, but not Mexican), because I don’t see it as attributing any negative qualities based on race. The joke would have translated just as unfunnily to characters of any ethnicity.