A weblog by Tom Coates concerning future media, social software and the web of data
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I can't go to SXSW...

Posted February 10, 2000 10:02 PM.

I honestly believe that there is nothing in the world that is too sensitive or awful a subject to be made a joke out of. Humour is built upon transgressive statements, but it is also built upon a common understanding of what the person who makes the joke actually believes. People are very negative these days about "political correctness" - but it was never about not making 'offensive' jokes about sensitive subjects, but about not saying offensive things and meaning them. Here's a good example of something unbelievably funny from the Onion (for those of you who aren't easily offended): Why Do All These Homosexuals...

I think I have finally reconciled myself to the fact that I am not going to be going to SXSW. I still feel that I might at any moment change my mind, but basically I think I must face the facts that I just can't afford it. Now I have to work out what to do instead.

© 1999-2007 Tom Coates