I have been following the debate concerning Newfie jokes in this paper for a while. Please allow me to make a few comments.

I must disagree with Paul Lowther ("No harm in telling Newfie jokes"– Telegram, Aug. 7). He writes that "the telling of Newfie jokes and stories was always appreciated." Who appreciated these jokes? Is it possible that the 800 delegates had a good laugh at Newfoundland's expense? Do some people feel they have to degrade themselves to be acceptable to others?

I once lived in Labrador and my wife is from St. John's. I have never met any Newfoundlander who liked these jokes or the term Newfie. We all know the connotations of Newfie. It is always used in a derisive manner and I am sure that many Newfoundlanders find this term to be offensive. It has nothing to do with being insecure. I can't see how a Newfie joke is part of Newfoundland culture.

It is not acceptable to tell racial jokes or to use certain derogatory terms to describe Jews, natives, African-Canadians, or other minorities. Telling Newfie jokes or using the term Newfie in place of Newfoundlander should also be unacceptable, in my opinion.

Dale Cole
Charlottetown, P.E.I.

Source: "Newfie jokes told at someone's expense," The Telegram, August 10, 1999, p. 6.