Bad Jokes & Ebonics

[Joe Varo]

On Wed, 19 Feb 1997, Henry M wrote:

> A test: When Major Marvy says "Ooga-booga," do you
> a. laugh with him
> b. laugh at him
> c. both of the above
> d. none of the above

I guess this is a test to determine if one is racist or not.  Personally,
I think it's a trick question:

1) If you answer "a. laugh with him" then you're pretty obviously a
   racist.

2) If you answer "b. laugh at him" then you might still possibly be a
   racist, due to the fact that you're laughing at all. Perhaps you're a
   "closet" racist, the sort who stereotypicly says, "Some of my best
   friends are <insert ethnicity of choice>."

3) If you answer "c. both of the above" then you're a racist (since "a" is
   implied) who, for some reason, also finds Marvy to be a pathetic
   character.  Anyone who chooses "c" is probably pretty confused.

4) If you answer "d. none of the above", you've chosen the "safe" answer,
   showing that you find Marvy so disgusting that you can't laugh at all.
   This choice may also show you to be a humorless boob.

It seems to be a no-win situation.  Maybe this was Henry's point.

Joe