Hi guys!

For the last few days, I have been thinking about coming up with this topic, especially while going through the posts here on Canadian Desi or any other Indian forums online. Readers might label me to generalization. However, I wish to state what I have observed closely within our own community or, by and large on Canadian Desi. I am not commenting on anything particular, point fingers or involve in name calling. This is my observation, and I am sure you'll all respect the same.

I would like to start with my observation on CanadianDesi. There's no doubt in my mind that it's a great site and helping each of us Immigrants in a great deal. No two ways about it. However, when going through some of the forums here, one may find that if any poster starts a joke or responds to any thread in a jovial manner, he/she is being threatened to be banned by the fellow posters. Why such an animosity towards someone who is not insulting someone but merely cracking a joke? Are we really that sensitive? Have we lost the stream to laugh or smile? Are we so imbibed in our daily life of paying bills, struggle, jobs, home etc. that we fail to be tickled?

I am sure each one of you might have seen the Comedy Network or the Stand-up comedy acts, where people just laugh even upon the jokes directed towards them. Heard of Russell Peters? If people start taking him seriously or critically, then there would be riots in Canada.

Also, why we behave in a childish manner towards the one who posts such a jovial response. Isn't it completely alike school days, when some kids always go to the Teacher to complain on a petty stuffs? Have we really grown up and matured as a human being? Some questions need to be asked to ourselves, if we may.

Even the best jokes in thread responses are taken as an insult or taken critically. Thus brought me to the realisation that we have completely lost our funny bone. Are we really losing our streak to laugh and have fun?

Think about it!

God bless you all.

Febpreet,
Remeber that this is a site run for immigrants to get a 360 Degree view of Canada in terms of Desi immigration. we have 50% of people who are happy to be here and 50% of people who are not happy to be here. Therefore any joke, say turned at one of the 50 % of the people who are happy to be here is taken as a redicule by Poster and he assumes that it has been directed specifically at him by the person of the other group. In between, like minded members member chip in and support their kind while the people of the opposite camp support the other person and it becomes pandemonium and most times the moderators have to step in to warn the person or lock the thread.
IMO, This is Desi mentality and it is in the person's genes. I donot think that anyone can alter it in this generation.
I belive that it is for this reason that the moderators have created the "Have fun" section where you can relive your self and tell a joke or two.
TK A

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I am a Gents and not a Ladies.

TK:

You make it sound as if we are all in some epic battle or something! I dont think there are sides..everyone has their own perspective and feelings.

Febpreet: in context I think there is always room for fun, and laughter. I dont know what posts you are referring to but since I have been on this site I've seen light hearted humor.

Have faith and hope in the ability of people to see the positive side of life. Its all we really have. Btw - I love russell peters ! that and just for laugh's gag show on TV )

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~ Morning rain

I believe this is no just on this forum by prevelant everywhere these days.

People, in general, are becoming more and more intolerant and the bar for political correctness is getting higher and higher.

It is at a level where these days, you can hardly ever say anything without offending someone, some group, some religion or some community.

I find this has increased since the 9/11 and the ensuing "war on terrorism", increased sensitivity to religious and communal ideas.

You can find this in India too these days - every movie, drama, theatre or music will always offend some group and people will be calling for a ban.

Sense of humor is the first victim of the current situation.

That said, I personally am not a big fan of what passes for "sense of humor" these days either.
Most comedy shows and TV shows that pretend to be humourous are lame, silly, devoid of any fun and frankly in bad taste.

It is rare to find something that is light-hearted, truly universal fun.

I recall the old Indian films that had great comedy actors such as Johnny Walker, Mehmood, etc. - they were truly and genuinely funny without being silly and lame.

Even in Hollywood/West, we had great comedy actors that were fun to watch.

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"Mah deah, there is much more money to be made in the destruction of civilization than in building it up."

-- Rhett Butler in "Gone with the Wind"

Febpreet,

Your point noted, but can you give some examples of where you've noticed this? Feel free to PM me if don't want to post it here.

The uncertainty and fear of immigrating to a new place, settling down, finding jobs to support family, frustration at perceived injustices etc which are the bulk of the topics here are pretty heavy duty topics and one's sense of humor can take a backseat on things like that.

That said, this forum is by no means only about immigration and finding jobs. The site's growth has been organic to a huge degree, but the purpose always has been to connect the SA community for its own betterment and progress. The concept is and should be very open to a healthy sense of humor. The problem is drawing a fine line between that and personal insults, but that's one for the Mod team to take care of.

The way I look at it, at the end of the day, there should be no hard feelings. Despite all the arguments, the heated discussions and the difference of opinions. With that approach, humor will be a welcome relief from the drudgery of heavy discussion. And people do joke around with eachother on the forum from time to time.

What I'd be looking for from you are examples of where you've noticed this is not the case and suggestions on what we can do to improve. Always open to that.

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Are you there?

Hi Febreet,

Interesting observation.

So why not make this thread one where we can poke good-natured fun at each other.

I offer myself as the first 'bakra'. So rank on me.

Who is offering himself/herself as the next 'bakra'? You Febreet? BL? GG? Anyone?

Sure thing Investpro, I am all available for it - anytime