[Stuart C]

I think the problem is that we each find different things funny. I personally like some politically incorrect humour (not too big a fan of Bernard Manning and got bored of Benny Hill though). I can also see that some people might find it offensive.

I think a lot of humour is based on taking the mickey out of someone, or appearing to hurt them (slapstick does seem to be basically people falling over or getting hit, usually with a "funny" sound effect). Maybe this is an indication of a nasty side to our nature?

However, it should be noted that a lot of the sickest/nastiest jokes (about bombings, Princess Di dying etc) are actually the result of people trying to deal with the stress of a situation though, so could be considered a valuable release.

I personally don't think we should be trying to control humour though. Most jokes will offend someone (think about it -most jokes have some sort of "victim"), and the only way to stop all offensive jokes would be to stop people joking at all. However, people should be aware that not everyone will realise that a joke is meant as a joke.

It's actually worth noting that some groups do actually take the p*ss out themselves. Some of the most anti-black humour I have heard has come from black comedians (Eddie Murphy, Richard Prior, Chris Rock etc). Similarly, some of the most anti-irish humour has come from Irish people (Dave Allen for one), and I'll never forget Billy Connelly's line about copper wire being invented by two Scotsmen who were fighting over a penny. As for gay comedians, well, look at Matt Lucas. His humour is hardly politically correct (the "Only Gay In The Village" being one example).

I still find all the comedians I have mentioned funny though..