Autora: Sofía Rosales Gacitúa

29 may 2026 - 06:17 CET

We have all been in situations in which a joke regarding race, ethnicity, nationality or cultural differences has been thrown around in an apparently innocent way. Although humor can seem harmless, these types of jokes are often based on ideas or stereotypes that have been historically used to systematically marginalize certain groups of people. 

When these comments are presented as funny, damaging stereotypes become naturalized and begin to feel normal, acceptable and to its further extent, true.

Over time, these jokes inherently start to shape attitudes, especially when they go unchallenged in school, workplaces or social media. When humor is based on the humiliation or exclusion of others, it is no longer neutral and harmless. Therefore, speaking up against these types of jokes is important, as dismissing them can make discrimination go unnoticed. 

Raising awareness does not have to be confrontational, but it is our responsibility to encourage people to reflect on the impact their words may have and the role we all play in reinforcing racist ideology!