[Mick]

[quote author=ferrari link=topic=12143.msg118372#msg118372 date=1431729571]
As the subject of usually mid-level attacks and prejudice in my youth, it is obvious that making fun of some ethnic groups has become generally acceptable (Polish, Irish, Italians, Germans, etc) while other groups have become generally offensive (Blacks, Hispanics, Jews, Asians, etc.)

I would not say that making fun of some ethnic groups has become generally acceptable. I think the trend has been in the other direction. I don't have proof of this; it's just my impression. When I was a kid, we used to hear Polish jokes and Italian jokes frequently. My kids probably never heard one. Where I live, that's just not done any more. I think that kind of ethnic humor seems to have declined.
[/quote]

Agreed.  I hadn't heard anything like that since about 1970...although...I heard a very senior attorney in the Midwest recently to the former Chair of his firm by saying, "He's Irish, so you know he's pretty excitable."  Not exactly a slur, but I don't know that I would categorize Americans of Irish descent as such.  Unless they watch Notre Dame football... :P

[Mick]

[quote author=ferrari link=topic=12143.msg118372#msg118372 date=1431729571]
As the subject of usually mid-level attacks and prejudice in my youth, it is obvious that making fun of some ethnic groups has become generally acceptable (Polish, Irish, Italians, Germans, etc) while other groups have become generally offensive (Blacks, Hispanics, Jews, Asians, etc.)

I would not say that making fun of some ethnic groups has become generally acceptable. I think the trend has been in the other direction. I don't have proof of this; it's just my impression. When I was a kid, we used to hear Polish jokes and Italian jokes frequently. My kids probably never heard one. Where I live, that's just not done any more. I think that kind of ethnic humor seems to have declined.
[/quote]

Agreed.  I hadn't heard anything like that since about 1970...although...I heard a very senior attorney in the Midwest recently to the former Chair of his firm by saying, "He's Irish, so you know he's pretty excitable."  Not exactly a slur, but I don't know that I would categorize Americans of Irish descent as such.  Unless they watch Notre Dame football... :P