We don’t laugh at the majority, because the majority has power.
And we don’t laugh at power, because it’s dangerous. It might throw us out.
But we do laugh at minorities, because minorities are weak.
And we do laugh at weakness because it’s safe.
Minorities are different, and different is funny. Really, it is. Unexpected difference is the basis of humour.
Yes, I know, you’re horrified to think you’re involved.
But we all do it, because it’s everywhere. It’s in our culture and our language, and it’s unconscious, in our norms, the little jokes. Sure, we’re mindful in some areas. But not in others.
Sometimes it’s the little, subtle things that hurt, not the big ones, because we don’t notice, but they do.
I know I’ve made these mistakes. It’s a lifelong effort, learning to avoid them.
For all of us perhaps.