Jokes in poor taste

OFCOM has announced that Channel 4 breached guidelines when it transmitted a routine delivered by Frankie Boyle. The routine targeted and mocked the mental and physical disability of a nine year old who is blind and has autism. Channel 4 defends its action by stating the routine was 'simply absurdist satire'.

In Tunbridge Wells two members of the English Democrats have been execrated across four pages in the local press for having the temerity to have a link to a joke on their Facebook pages about running into a mosque with park strapped to the body. 'Offensive' according to the newspaper.  Some might argue it was 'simply absurdist satire'.

I find both 'jokes' distasteful.  However, the disproportionate coverage by the local newspaper shows how common sense and the use of critical faculties fly through the window whenever race or religious hatred cards are played.