Banter cheeses me off!

Banter seems to be becoming more prominent in society with the rise of the Internet and shows such as the Inbetweeners developing a 'lad' culture. The biggest trait of the 'lads' is the use of banter which is basically teasing in a playful way. However sometimes it can go to far to the point where insults are passed off as 'banter'

So what counts as banter and when does it go too far as some of these, particularly when directed at the subject's personal issues, tend to do. Well it all depends on the subject's mood and whether or not they can take it. If the person recognises that it's a joke then they'll laugh along. For example, Yo Mama jokes are a form of banter and whilst it can be seen as offensive, most people know these as jokes and occasionally join in. However, when they get a bit carried away, things can get ugly fast.

What I mean by this is that sometimes, direct insults to the subject and their family are starting to be passed off as banter. For example, harsh insults concerning your background, family and appearance may not fly well with the subject and thus becoming upset about it. The insulter may then say 'it was only banter mate'. To them I say: no.... just no. No no no no no no no no no no NO! That is NOT what you say! You think that insults like that are a JOKE? Ugh..... If you are one of those people then... just no.

How does this link with autism? Well we tend to be the people who take harsh banter seriously. We're literal like that and so any insult, no matter if it's a joke, will be taken seriously and to heart and banter is no exception. This is why I don't like banter because the people don't seem to recognise that the subjects are being hurt. It isn't just that, but they seem to use it as an excuse to be sexist with phrases such as 'get in there' and 'she's got nice tits' and I hate people who say these. Hate it hate it hate it hate it hate it!

I apologise if this seems ranty but this cheeses me off! People should not use banter as an excuse to be cruel! In fact, if this is what banter has become, then it should just go and be replaced by jokes that are NOT at other people's expense! *Sigh* basically, next time you're bantering, please remember who you're bantering about and try to remember that they have feelings. Then banter can have a good name again.

And that concludes this thought from an autistic mind. What do you think about this? Let me know in the comments below, be sure to like my Facebook page 'Joel Mole' for more blogs and share this around to spread the word. Thank you for reading this and until the next time: fare thee well!