111. How Comedy Can Turn Into Racial Humiliation

The thin line between humour & harm and how comedy without conscience can perpetuate racism. A racist joke is never only about the moment it is told. It draws on histories, stereotypes and assumptions that already exist in the culture, which is why our response to laughter needs more attention. Prompted by the recent Lisa Jane Spencer controversy here in Australia, this conversation looks at what happens when racist stereotypes are used as comedic material and then brushed aside as “just ...