a) I guess we watched this episode
because the plot was relevant to the topic we are currently working with in
class, racism. The episode regarded prejudices attached to racism. In the episode we meet a woman who has just
gotten a new neighbour who looks like he is from somewhere outside the country
and speak who does not speak English fluently.
When she shows up at his door, he is not very welcoming and does not say much.
This, among a few other things, leads to her suspecting him to be a terrorist
and she becomes very paranoid. The TV-series is a comedy, so humour is frequently
used throughout the episode. It shows that you can mix seriousness (since
racism is a pretty serious topic) with humour.
b) Humour is a way to approach sensitive
topics, at least in small amounts. Where would we be if we just took everything
seriously and never dared to joke about anything? Still, we have to know our
limits. Some things are just too sensitive to joke about or make fun of. You
may laugh at jokes and find them funny, but suddenly one offends you and then it is maybe not so fun. I
think it all depends a lot on how it is done. The best thing is if it is done in
a way that those meant to be offended can laugh along.
