On the Offensive

When we encounter offensive humor, it is not content of the jokes that offend us. A tasteless quip about cancer does not harm anyone. Rather, it is our helplessness against a degenerative cellular disease that we find troubling. Our total vulnerability offends us. Since we are unable to end racial prejudice, chauvinism or bad taste, we disarm our inadaquacy by scolding others. Only this practice offends me.