When does Humor and Entertainment become Slander and Libel? At what point does a Comedian cross the line? Ethically? Morally? Legally? So many people seem to say things . . .and then go . .OH I WAS JOKING At what point are they to be held responsible for their words? Rocket River
I think, as a general rule, you can say anything you want about anyone you want as long as you follow it up by saying, "I'm just saying...." That basically makes it OK. The same rule exists on this bbs. Just put a wink smiley after anything offensive and it makes it OK. You're Mother is a filthy w****. See?
Or "I don't mean that in a bad way". ima_drummer2k's fiancee is a dumb slut. I don't mean that in a bad way. I mean that in the best possible way.
This was covered in Hustler Magazine, Inc. v. Falwell. The Supreme Court decided that intentionally causing emotional distress by publishing something you know to be false (that no reasonable person would think is true) is still protected speech, reversing a lower court ruling.
I usually believe that behind every joke is some truth. So if someoe says something negative as a joke, they actually do feel that way on some level. for example: if ima_drummer2k really said that in a confersation, he does actally think that his mother, is sort of a w****. so even if people are joking, I do still hold them accountable for what they say(on the other hand i really do not care if people try to offend me).
