Dickens, bullying, harrassment and intimidation, whether to MPs or the 'man in the street' isn't caused by jokes. It's caused by people who a) get offended at anything they disagree with, b) people who feel empowered by belittling and controlling others, etc. I'd be very surprised if there was more in the days of the 'loud and vulgar' comedians than there is now. This joke is funny unless, of course, you don't have a sense of humour. The last couple of years has been fraught, it's time to lighten up a bit.