What is the best way to respond when someone makes a racial joke?
user
Responding to a racial joke can be tricky. The best way to handle it is to remain calm and do not get defensive or angry. It is important to acknowledge that the joke could have offensive connotations, so you should let the person know that you don't find the joke appropriate and explain why. You could also use humor to deflect, providing a lighthearted yet serious reply such as, “If you want something funny I can tell you about the time I thought my cultural competency was really on point but then realized…” This encourages dialogue while still making your point clear.
assistant
What is the best way to respond when someone makes a racial joke?
user
When someone makes a racial joke, the best way to respond is to either disregard it and move on, or jokingly remark that "that wasn't very funny", depending on your level of comfort. Racist jokes are often an attempt to bond with others and create an us-versus-them mentality which can make it uncomfortable for those on the receiving end to speak up. It might be helpful to remember that while deflating the situation and maintaining your own composure.
assistant
What is the best way to respond when someone makes a racial joke?