Probably depends on subject.
9/11 jokes came out that night in some stand up routines.
Haven't heard any Madeline jokes yet and personally I hope I never do. Some things are just not funny and never will be.
Your views please.
How long before dreadful news becomes comic fodder
Quote: Kent Pete @ August 18, 2007, 3:15 AMSome things are just not funny and never will be.
The prohibition of cannabis is one of them.
Quote: Kent Pete @ August 18, 2007, 3:15 AMSome things are just not funny and never will be.
Couldn't disagree more. Everything's funny to someone, at some point. In the case of the subject you mentioned, perhaps a little more controversial than some, but nevertheless it depends on one's sensitivity, maturity, sense of humour, and ability to look on the bright side. Make the best of a bad situation. However one wishes to phrase it.
As for Madeline jokes...I can't think of any...but I'll bet someone comes up with a few about her parents leaving her alone in the house while they nipped out for a bite to eat...
I agree with Aaron:
All sacred cows are ripe for skewering...and I mean ALL.
I know a really good one. Makes me grin just thinking about it. 
I saw Stewart Lee drop a few maddie jokes back in May, but as ever they were loaded with irony and not actually making fun of the victims.
There's no way you can say that certain things cannot be laughed at. Any one person has the right to say whatever the hell they want - it's called free speech. Due to our society there will often be repercussions, but if someone wants to tackle a taboo subject then they can.
Quote: Skibbington von Skubber @ August 18, 2007, 11:16 AMI agree with Aaron:
All sacred cows are ripe for skewering...and I mean ALL.
Agreed.
I think most of the jokes I have heard have been more about the tabloid reaction to it rather than the family themselves. But they're both acceptable to me, if they're funny. And in context.
Ah, you'll have to tell me them! I've only heard the one, even if it is utterly brilliant.
Oh I can only remember one, (which actually was not tabloid based). I did laugh, but it was pretty nasty.
You'd have to google for them I'm afraid!
What was the one you heard?
One about a submarine.
?
I am baffled.
I'll put mine in small writing, so if you read it and get offended, it's your own flipping fault.
What's the difference between Madeleine McCann and Madeleine McCann jokes?
Madeleine McCann jokes will get old.
I strongly agree. Any subject can be joked about in some way. It is part of human nature and people often deal with grief or dreadful situations through humour. I think this is why we get jokes about Steve Irwin, Dianna, the London bombings etc.
No subject should be taboo and if someone gets offended by a joke then I feel sorry that they can not laugh at them self.
"When a person can no longer laugh at himself, it is time for others to laugh at him." Thomas Szasz, from the book "The Second Sin"
Quote: zooo @ August 18, 2007, 1:29 PM?
I am baffled.I'll put mine in small writing, so if you read it and get offended, it's your own flipping fault.
What's the difference between Madeleine McCann and Madeleine McCann jokes?
Madeleine McCann jokes will get old.
Haha, very good.
Now mine. Ditto above.
What do Madeleine McCann and a submarine have in common?
They're both at least 6 foot under, and full of seamen.
Oh my god. I did a gasp.
I find that it tends to be okay once someone has taken the chance. Am not sure you can put a time frame on it. We live in a desensitised society so it is harder to shock people these days.