Post #66053 by christiki295 on Mon, Dec 22, 2003 8:13 PM

My contribution to the discussion regarding the appropriate standard for such posts is this:

Consider whether the class of persons most likely to take offense to the post might find such offensive.

Remember, do not use yourself as the objective test, but think subjectively about what a class of viewer might subjectively be offended.

For example, it is very possible that women or people of color might find the photograph of the dog and/or the jokes which follow offensive.

However, I recall a Playboy photograph, followed by a comment such as "I wish the beautiful naked girl would move because she is blocking my view of the tiki."

Neither the photograph nor the joke would be likely to be taken as offensive. (I thought it was hilarious & very tiki).

Women can say many things that a male should not.

To evaluate my possible bias, I, a Black male, was highly offended by the photograph, although I thought the jokes which follow were merely sophomoric and akin to a "Porky's" movie. (Maybe its my age?)

I am also senstive of issues which mock tribal people of color - I'm boderline about the photograph, although (thankfully) the jokes didn't go there.

The legal standard for harassing conduct also utilizes both an objective standard as well as a subjective standard. (For example, the phrase, "I like your chest" not offensive if made to a guy at the gym, but offensive if made to a woman anywhere, including at the gym.)