Phil,
I agree with you - it's often indicative of mealy-mouthed hypocrisy - when these comic greasers turn over a new leaf - it's still the same book, but now looks less coherent than ever.
With respect to jokes about people of the joker's race or nationality - the best Russian, Jewish and Irish jokes are about themselves. I bought the ''Official Irish Book of Jokes'' in Dublin, and it definitely has the best Irish jokes I ever came across, while the best Russian (Soviet era) and Jewish jokes were told me by Russians and Jews. Don't we actually respect people, as a race or nation, as well as an individual for the abilty to laugh at themselves/himself - I know I do.......if that is construed as applauding racism or religious bigotry, on the one hand I'm sad that the narrow minded wee prats who say that have sunk so low, and on the other, I'm pleased and proud to know such jokers!