The Importance of Humorous Sensitivity

Janitra was not known for her quick wit. In fact, she was often the last to get a joke.

Her humor, if it could be called that, was more of a dry, understated kind that often went unnoticed. But that was about to change.

It was a particularly dull office meeting when a new colleague, Ravi, started telling a joke.

"Yesterday, an old tramp came up to me and said he hadn't had a bite in two weeks. Poor chap! What did you do then?" he paused for dramatic effect. "I bit him, of course!"

There was a stunned silence in the room, followed by a ripple of awkward laughter.

Everyone exchanged puzzled glances, unsure if they were supposed to laugh or cringe.

Janitra, however, was different. A slow smile spread across her face.

"Actually, Ravi," she began, her voice calm and collected, "that's not really funny. It's kind of cruel."

The room fell silent again. Ravi, looking slightly embarrassed, stammered out an apology.

But Janitra wasn't finished. "Humor should be based on wit, not cruelty," she continued. "It's about finding the funny in unexpected places, not at the expense of others."

Her words hung in the air. Surprisingly, there was a murmur of agreement.

People realized that Janitra had a point. Humor should be inclusive, not exclusive.

And it certainly shouldn't involve biting people.

From that day forward, Janitra became the office's resident humor police.

She was quick to point out the flaws in any joke that relied on cruelty or stereotypes.

Her colleagues, while initially surprised, came to appreciate her honesty.

And slowly but surely, the office culture began to shift towards a more inclusive and respectful brand of humor.