Mamie I would like to respond to your comment below and explain from my point of view.
I do dislike the use of the term "political correctness" in this context. It implies that I would like to find these things funny, but have been told that it is no longer allowed, by some nebulous authority of political correctness.
That is exactly how I do feel that I have to be ultra careful that I don't upset people who take offence too easily IMO.
I used to teach a multi-cultural group in adult education and loved it. I got on tremendously with my students so could not be called racist by any stretch of the imagination.
When reading Noddy with my GS I noticed how the text had been changed to meet today's market and I thought it was sad that we no longer have the fun black character the name of which I dare not say it case I am admonished.
I used to be called Blondie in my youth but I never took exception to it. Even a Brummie Blondie which I am/was (grey now), but heaven help me if I said something like this about someone else.
I was rebuked in an assessment for offering students black or white coffee and told I should say with or without milk - how ridiculous it that?
KatyK I am glad your Dad was big enough to laugh about Irish jokes, not go all po-face.
I loved watching 'Are you Being Served' with the great John Inman himself as the over the top Mr. Humphries, that would never pass muster now.
I agree with Papaoscar that bad language has spoiled a lot of modern humour.
Finally, I should have explained that the third Tommy Cooper joke I included I did not think would offend, but it made me laugh a lot and I thought some/not all other Gransnetters too would have a giggle.
Finally, finally, Annodomini you say ^ I don't like gibes about 'political correctness gone mad'^. I hope I don't come across as sneering (definition of jibes) I am someone who likes a laugh with my pals and do not take myself too seriously.
I don't expect many of you to agree with the above, but Gransnet is a great place to make a statement and hopefully keep some Gransnetter friends.
Over and out.