All in the family

There seems to be an attitude that's become more prevalent in society: you can do whatever you want as long as it's funny.

Funny, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. And if you're the the butt of the joke, it ain't funny.

There's a game we've played in some classes I've taught. It's called "Talking behind your back." Usually that phrase is used to describe gossip. But in this game, the person turns his or her back to the class, and then the class says good things about the person. It's great to see the change come over the person as he or she hears those positive statements. It's an exercise that always ends up in smiles!