Racist Humor

By Mia Flores, Staff Writer

March 10, 2026

Photo by https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jayteoh_casualracism-inclusionmatters-equityandbelonging-activity-7264345766544982016-ZiMa

In recent years, people have become desensitized to racist humor, and it is now prevalent in many peoples’ lives. These harmful comments are often treated as lighthearted jokes, allowing them to spread in everyday conversations and online spaces. The acceptance of these insensitive jokes has led to discrimination against minorities to not be taken seriously, leaving them vulnerable to harassment.

Sophomore Stephanie Gomez shared an experience from this year, where she felt uncomfortable when an employee at an ice cream shop made an insensitive comment towards her mother while trying to order. “My mom doesn’t speak English well, so she struggles with pronunciation,” Stephanie said. “Instead of taking our order, the worker mocked my mom’s pronunciation on how she said, “cookies and cream” and smiled. It felt very inconsiderate and rude.”

An anonymous female sophomore, who is African-American, stated, “Honestly, my experience isn’t that bad, but it’s annoying when people who aren’t black get too comfortable around me and think it’s okay to drop a racial slur and think that I’m gonna think it’s okay.”

Junior Jonathan Sanchez also had a similar experience when one of his friends called him a racial slur that is most often used against Mexicans. He said, “I didn’t know what to say. I was really in shock and felt offended because I’m not Mexican. My whole family is from Honduras.”

Prejudice against people of distinct backgrounds is not limited to in-person interactions and is often seen on online platforms. According to an article titled “The Rise of Racism on Social Media and How it’s Affecting Gen Z” posted on the website for the school newspaper at The Archer School for Girls, “There has been a major rise in casual racism on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.”

Situations like this sparks discussion on why people feel comfortable saying these comments. Ms. Ransom, an English teacher at Miami High, says, “I don’t know exactly why they say these remarks, but it could be because people in positions of authority say similar things.”

Similarly, sophomore Dana Flores said, “Most people who use this kind of humor saw that behavior at home and got influenced by it.”

For individuals who are receiving these kinds of comments, it can be hard to know what to do at the moment.” Junior Andrew Harrison shared, “I would tell someone who’s experiencing these things to tell their friend or even the mental health counselor at school.”

Ms. Ransom added, “They should tell an adult and see what can be done. Nobody should face this alone.”

While it may be easier to stay silent about these issues, confronting the issue is helpful to show that this behavior needs an immediate change. Sophomore Maya Rodiles shared, “I know many people walk away when they see some negative situations outside their own bubble, but I will help someone if I see them getting harassed. I also think everyone should too.”

Understanding why racist jokes are morally wrong begins with someone willing to act in opposition to the perpetrator who tells these jokes. In an article titled “Break the Bystander Effect: How to confront peers who make offensive and insensitive jokes” posted on the student run news site for Shawnee’s Mission East High School it states, “There are few key things to remember when you’re speaking up to educate someone: explain to the person their jokes are hurtful, be understanding, and make sure you aren’t attacking them.” Choosing to educate others with politeness can prevent similar situations and reduce toxic jokes in the future.