Not Just a Bit of Fun - Jokes and the Pyramid of Hate

Not Just a Bit of Fun - Jokes and the Pyramid of Hate

From The Shift by Trisha Carter

March 13, 2026 · 11 min · Season 1 · Episode 74

About this episode

Trisha explores the implications of racist jokes and their connection to the ADL Pyramid of Hate while discussing cultural intelligence.

In this solo episode, Trisha unpacks what happens in the split second after a racist joke lands — and what Cultural Intelligence (CQ) has to do with it. What does it mean when your gut reacts before your thinking can catch up? How do biased jokes connect to something far more serious — and what does it take to decide, in real time, who you want to be? This episode explores the ADL Pyramid of Hate and where so-called "harmless" humour sits within it, alongside the very human challenge of maintaining CQ Drive when the world is contracting with fear and uncertainty. Trisha also invites you to join a free virtual gathering for anyone using, learning, or simply curious about cultural intelligence. Resources mentioned in this episode: The ADL Pyramid of Hate — Anti-Defamation League: adl.org Register for Trisha's free virtual CQ gathering (Friday 20 March, 10:00 AM Sydney time): Register here Referenced: Episode 53 — The PAUSE Framework Join Trisha in this journey of growth and discovery throughout the year via Substack or LinkedIn.

People in this episode

Host: Trisha Carter

Topics covered

  • racism
  • cultural intelligence
  • humor
  • Pyramid of Hate
  • self-awareness
  • bias

Keywords

  • racist jokes
  • Cultural Intelligence
  • ADL Pyramid of Hate
  • humor
  • CQ Drive
  • self-improvement

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Anti-Defamation League

Books & works: The PAUSE Framework

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