Jokes and Racism?

Is there a point where a joke goes too far, when, even thought it was supposed to be just a joke, it is truly racist, or do people take racist jokes too seriously? With the recent controversy over Don Imus, people have been preaching on and on about racism. Isn't a joke just supposed to be a joke, and wouldn't all races be better off if they learned to laugh at themselves? Or does emphasis on a race's flaws change stereotypes, make it worse? Thoughts and opinions only, I dont need to be chastised on my "ignorance".

Jokes and Racism?-Myspace pictures

it stop being a joke when it hurts people,theirs a difference between pain and laughter

Jokes and Racism?

-(Myspace images myspace.com)

Sometimes it hurts, so you have to know the person you're talking to, some people accepts, others not. I don't prefer such jokes to be told publicly as it could lead later to some kind of racism.
I think that there is a very fine line between real humor and insults. Imus seriously crossed that line. I do think people can laugh at themselves, but his statement was hurtful, harmful, and inappropriate. It was not directed at me, but I find it offensive, not only does he offend black people, but women as well, and it is especially harmful coming from someone in the public eye. I think it is interesting that there is an outcry against similar language used in hip hop music, but I really believe that, in both cases, it is more chauvinistic than racist.
It's an issue that will always remain, I think...

Stephen Colbert interviewed author, Jabari Asim about a book he wrote called "The N word... who can say it, who shouldn't, and why" The first questions he asks are stupendous! - IMO, worth watching... (link to clip in the source space...)
naaah joke cant go to far....

i dont care i f someone tells a racist joke about white.

dont take it so personally