Jokes can be funny and harmless but also offensive and hurtful. It is essential to think before you joke and ensure that it is not at someone else’s expense.

Something to acknowledge before making a joke is to examine your audience. Your audience plays a huge role in what you should or shouldn’t say, such as how you shouldn’t joke about death in a nursing home. 

Most things you may joke about with friends may not be acceptable in other areas. It is important to consider the potential consequences of a joke before making it.

A joke that may seem harmless to one person may be offensive to another. It is important to be aware of the sensitive issues before joking about them. 

You should also be mindful of the topic you are joking about. For instance, jokes about race or gender can be offensive and should be avoided. Additionally, jokes should not be made at the expense of anyone, regardless of their background or beliefs.

An example of an acceptable, unoffensive joke would be, “What did the farmer say when he lost his tractor,” then the response would be, “Where’s my tractor?” It may not be humorous to most, but depending on your audience and timing it, it could be hilarious. 

Furthermore, always think before you joke. Analyze all things and recognize what the consequences could be after the joke. Always remember jokes could be funny and harmless, but they can also be offensive if not chosen appropriately.