The joke's on you!

Recently, it has come to my attention that many of my friends make distasteful jokes that pinpoint someone or a certain group of pple. These jokes are often of the 'dirty' nature. For example, suggesting that someone had sexual relations with another person. Such remarks would usually have been strongly criticised, but under the guise of joking, have been allowed to pass. If one would raise any issues against the joke, the accused would probably hit back at the accuser of being too serious.

Nonetheless, I would like to point out 2 possible scenarios.
a) The joke shows disrespect for the listener eg, by suggesting the listener is loose etc.
b) The joke shows disrespect for someone else not listening.

Neither scenario should be condoned! The first case is obviously not right, as someone is being made to feel uncomfortable for the benefit of others. Morally simply wrong!
In the 2nd scenario, there is a risk that some unintended listener will pick up the joke and become uncomfortable. Even if that doesn't happen, it is a poor reflection of the character of the joker. Subconsciously, the joker might be less restrained and might end up saying things he would regret. It is therefore good training to learn to be sensitive, even in joking!