I think it depends upon the intent of the teller.  If the joke is well-intended, there's no harm/no foul.*  If the joke is from someone of the same demographic, that joke can be much more biting and still be acceptable. 

I'm largely okay with jokes -- I understand humor.  But I'm not okay with humor at the expense of the other, or cruel humor (which seems to me to be so much of what gay humor is). 

*And this is where we may have to cut Mel Brooks some slack.  It seems that his jokes are innocent when they occur, but to look at the body of his work and the SAME themes and jokes in every movie, one has to wonder.

Good answer, Tom !  Thanks !

As I've gotten older I've tried more and more to not poke fun at others because of James 3:1-12.  James 3 deals with cursing rather than "joking around".  But used improperly, I think joking around can have the same negative impact on others.  I've had the misfortune of "tearing others down" by my words.  I've seen others do it to others.  And I've often been on the receiving end too.  Sometimes what is supposed to be funny is absolutely devastating.  Often, we can ride out a joke that's at our expense.  But if we've had a bad day, it can be like someone stabbing us with a knife and then twisting it.  Very painful.  These days, I am trying to learn how to laugh at the jokes of others (when in groups) with some discernment.  If everyone in the group is laughing, then it's all good.  But if I see or sense someone not laughing, then I try to change the subject.  It's better to avoid those awkward moments, and spare someone short or long-term emotional agony.

Just curious Tom, is it okay for all of us to laugh at parodies of ourselves? 

That's why I love "Legally Blonde"

But I agree with Tom, Brooks seems to always pull that card out and I too think it is tiresome and at times insulting.

I love old musicals, "Damn Yankees" is still a favorite.

edited to add:

I didn't see Dan's post before I put "Damn"

I hate when I see people joke with someones *weakness, the kids that hang out with my son, used to make fun of one of the guys that is losing his hair (he was 16 when it started). The guy would laugh it off, but in my house I wouldn't allow it. One day the guy came over before everyone got here, he thanked me for stopping them.

* But I don't think it is unfair to make fun of Talley for his Elizabeth Banks weakness. :0)

edited to add:

I didn't see Dan's post before I put "Damn"

LOL !  Well since they're not called the Darn Yankees, proper quotation is accepted !

I hate when I see people joke with someones *weakness, the kids that hang out with my son, used to make fun of one of the guys that is losing his hair (he was 16 when it started). The guy would laugh it off, but in my house I wouldn't allow it. One day the guy came over before everyone got here, he thanked me for stopping them.

Way to go, Jodi !  That's what I'm talking about !