The power of jokes

One of the most important things I have learned from this class is the effects of satire on culture.  We watched an episode of Chappelle’s show, where they had the racial draft.  It was intended to be a satire that pokes fun at how white people always seem to get their way, or everything always works out for the white man.  Though, the bit did call out a few stereotypes typically associated with specific races.  For example, they referenced black people eating fried chicken and Asians eating fried rice.  The joke ultimately reinforces the stereotypes that are associated with each ethnicity.  I also realize that environment plays a huge role in shaping behaviors.  A couple of my good friends attend a college in a small town.  Before they went off, I would have considered them open minded and accepting of other people.  It was disappointing to see how their new environment has influenced them.  They could not go 5 minutes without referencing an unoriginal racist joke.  They made fun of all races that were not their own and I actually asked one of them if they were in fact racist toward a specific group and he basically said yes.  I was clear to me that he is with a group of people that constantly makes jokes about other races and it is only a matter of time before jokes turn into reality…