The media and the blogosphere is aflame with back-and-forth about the two Australian DJ’s who impersonated Queen Elizabeth to get information about the Duchess of Cambridge’s pregnancy. The tragedy surrounding it is that the nurse who took the call, and actually transferred it to the relevant ward, has now passed away – the victim of a possible suicide, although that has not yet been determined.

The two DJ’s, who have voluntarily gone off the air for an indeterminate period, are as distraught as you might imagine; the prank was never intended to succeed in the first place, and things of this ilk are not uncommon in the radio world. While they are being pilloried (and even threatened with mayhem) by the world at large, it’s pretty plain that they never planned to hurt anyone. Still, it raises the question once again of what constitutes a good joke, and what crosses the line. Far too  many bullies (to bring up another very hot current topic) excuse their actions by saying, “we were just kidding around – it was just a joke.”

The following has been around for a long time, but I’ve saved it – because it’s the best guideline I’ve ever seen. Despite some human lapses in judgment, I’ve done my best to follow it.

When someone blushes with embarrassment…
When someone carries away an ache…
When something sacred is made to appear common…
When someone’s weakness provides the laughter…
When profanity is required to make it funny…
When a child is brought to tears…
Or when everyone can’t join in the laughter…
It’s a poor joke.

The Old Wolf has spoken.