If we started writing silly poetry designed to offend everyone in one fail swoop, do you suppose anyone would find humor in it?

I will laugh, and more so if my “group” is included.

Only the ones that would be too stupid to understand.

Well… coming to think of it that would likely be most.

(Now all it still needs is some poetry-like stye elements, the insult is there.)

What if there were published books of poetry that contained something similar to the following. You can tell it’s designed to offend. Would it be disregarded as offensive garbage? Or would anyone see humor behind it?

Once was an atheist from Nantucket
Who stuffed dead babies in buckets
He stole from stingy Jews
Slapped Christians in their pews
And said “Life is a whore, so f*** it!”

He and his gay lover scared nuns
By groping and pinching their buns
They made fat people diet
Caused an immigrant riot
And yelled “You bitches we’re just having fun!”

I’m sure most people can do better than that, it was the best I could do on the spur of the moment.

“In one fell swoop,” he cried.
“Not Fail swoop.” I lied.

@marinelife LOL whoops… I failed.

@marinelife that is funny…. GA

@WillWorkForChocolate LOLL.. don’t read that one to your mother!

It’s not poetry- but reminds me of South Park. Not all in one eposode, but over the years, I am sure they have offended most “groups” Gotta love it!

I’m sure I would find some of it amusing, and the intent to annoy as many people as possible would also make me laugh.

I am not amused by offensive jokes.

You tried so hard to be offensive that the rhythm and meter are all off.
And I think you have to be a lot wittier.

The only really offensive thing you said was “stingy Jews” which is a hate stereotype.
The rest is more like nonsense actions.

I thought that was more or less the premise behind Archie Bunker. The idea worked as a TV series (All in the Family) in the 1970s, but I’m afraid I don’t see it succeeding as verse. Most people are not going to seek out poetry that insults them, so for them the entertainment would be in offending the other guy. Not too different from what we already have without rhymes.

@anartist Like I said, it was the best I could do on the spur of the moment. I just threw something out there.

@WillWorkForChocolate The ever-popular limerick. It seems to me in this world there is no skill involved in offending people, individually or collectively: Someone will always be offended by whatever we say/do.

As for finding humour in it: Yes, there would be some, even many.

But what would be the point?

There’s enough nastiness in this world without setting out to create more, if that was your intention.

It might be argued that tyrants in the past, and currently, “write” poetry to offend by passing laws to keep themselves in power. But few people laugh at them. (This comment may be a bit over the top, but think about it!)

I actually thought your use of “fail” in the question was a poem designed to offend me.

If what was said was true, I would be grateful that it was put out in the open. If it was made up, I would think it was funny, but wondering “where it came from”?.