That's why it's called a racist joke.

Yes! I think I said these exact words to Stupid Racist Work Colleague, but she never actually got it.

I was thinkng about this the other night, and why it always comes up. I think it's because in some people's minds, jokes are by default friendly and benign. As long as we're laughing (as long as somebody's laughing) everything's fine. If you're not laughing, it's your problem.

I wonder if the 'just a joke' brigade are the sort of people who didn't get picked on at school?