Joke at work about hanging... did I overstep the mark here?

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Omstarts

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Ok. A tad long-winded, but here goes....

I am an engineer. On Monday, I met with an Architect and some contractors on site. We were doing an external lighting demonstration on a massive public building being constructed. It is due to open in April, however, the opening date is in jeopardy.

During the demonstration, the Architect joked "When the community realise we won't open in time, they will lynch me and hang me outside this building!!"

Quick as a flash, I quipped:

"Well, you have some wonderful accented lighting outside the building - it will show off your best features."

All laughed, including the architect. The contractor especially laughed very hard - this could explain his late payment this week.

Now, no repercussions, but it has been niggling me. My question is, should I apologise for the remark, or would I simply draw more attention to it by bringing it up now? As he made the initial joke about hanging, was I wrong to follow it up, or am I worrying about nothing?
Ello Guv'na - he is a Sikh.... but then the community 'lynching him' are a Sikh community as well.....
Flossy:- The architect certifies the contractor's valuations and decides if they are fair, hence if they get paid.
 
no it was funny, you over think things too much

as long as the guy who was going to get lynched wasnt black, otherwise you'll get the sack
 
Your being paranoid you have absolutley nothing to worry about.
They laughed didn't they? Its just banter and they've probably forgotten all about it by now.
 
Apologize privately only if the niggling continues. Personally I think the comment was brilliant and funny, and if it were directed at me, I would have laughed; perhaps even struck an appropriate pose.

Don't worry.
 
obviuosly you seek to have your rapid wit recognised on a higher level. Well congrats on a top joke.....now leave it and move on...it's over.
 
Obviously everyone thought it was funny. And if I had been standing there, I would have laughed also. No need to apologize.
 
It was a good joke and everyone laughed - if you ever have a chance to speak with the Architect one to one, you could mention your concerns and your hope that he took it the right way, but otherwise let it go.
 
Even as someone as politically correct as me can find nothing wrong with that statement - you responded in a witty way without drawing on any racist, sexual or gender. It was harmless banter.

Dont worry
 
I know saying to not worry won't help, so the best thing you can do is ask the architect if the joke offended and apologize. That way, you'll no for sure if you said something wrong.
 
Your worrying about nothing unless the guy was black. Either way, who cares, get your money for the job. Phone the bastard and get the dough.
 
You're worrying over nothing - it was quite funny & seeing as no has objected I don't see any problem.
 
You're worrying about nothing. As you say, they all laughed, and to bring it up now would be to remind people of something they've probably forgotten about, and would make you look a bit neurotic.

If you notice anyone is off with you, just gently ask if you've done anything to offend them, and if the joke comes up, apologise and admit you've been worrying about whether that was an innapropriate thing to say.

In short, don't mention it, but if it comes up, be gentle, graceful, and apologetic.
 
You're worrying about nothing. As you say, they all laughed, and to bring it up now would be to remind people of something they've probably forgotten about, and would make you look a bit neurotic.

If you notice anyone is off with you, just gently ask if you've done anything to offend them, and if the joke comes up, apologise and admit you've been worrying about whether that was an innapropriate thing to say.

In short, don't mention it, but if it comes up, be gentle, graceful, and apologetic.
 
Get back to me when you make a joke about being 'scarred for life' to a young waiter serving you coffee with very visible burn disfigurements on his face.

In the inappropriate joke stakes I do believe I reluctantly 'win'.

I wouldn't give your situation a second thought.
 
Is this your new home?
I wouldnt bother apologising.It sounded like he took it as the joke it was meant to be.
Now just await the summons from the racial discrimination board!!
 
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