It isn't the sick jokes. You always get them.

It's the ganging up on someone who objects to them. That's what I find disquieting. We've seen a bit of that in here lately. Say what you want, that's fine, but you shouldn't get arsey with someone who says what *he* wants.

Mind, I did, once. I used to work with a right ogrish t**t who, every time - every time - something unfortunate happened in the world at large, would be going around the building the following morning, cackling over his rehashed sick jokes. People used to listen, wince, maybe smile, maybe laugh. I used to avoid him - the way I see it, if you've a sick joke that's funny because it's wicked, or pointedly clever, that's Ok - but this guy's material was just for its own sake, almost because he thought it expected of him.

Then one day shortly after the Kings Cross thing he wandered into our area with his eyes absolutely SPARKLING with delight and his teeth bared in a demonic grin, and I snapped. I shouted at him: "One f**king word, Mike, and I swear I'll f**king deck you you sick deviant c**t. Just f**k off, now, go". He was taken aback for a moment, and turned slightly to face one of the other lads, but maybe because I'd burst his bubble, his next target told him to f**k off, too, followed by everyone else in the area. Unsure suddenly, he blurted out something about smarties melting in the tube and turned around to go. Someone lobbed a bottle of tippex at his head. It didn't stop him, mind: we could see him stop in the next department, cackling as people winced and smiled politely - and possibly wished he'd die himself.

See, I think PK has a point: people, not just here, do follow the herd. Fair play to PK: the lad's f**ked up but he has the balls to stand his ground, every time. That'll serve him well, I hope.

As for sick jokes, well, I make no judgment. I've laughed before and I'll laugh again. Really hope I never hear myself bollocking someone for NOT laughing, though.

Bit pompous, that, now i read it back. Ah well.

Posted By: Sugbad The Bad, Dec 11, 20:04:32