Is making derogatory comments about Bankers any better than making them about Bobs?

[DodgyAgent]

I interviewed a graduate Engineer the other day and I pointed out to him that he could get a job in banking. I added that no one would like him but he would be rich. He laughed.
As bankers are a group as are Indians and Catholics and Chelsea supporters why then can we not make jokes about the stereotypes attached to their groups?

[NotAllThere]

We can. So what's your point?

[MyUserName]

Some groups are protected due to perceived possibility of discrimination (ones identified by religioun, nationalality, sexual orientation etc).

Bankers are a group that has no such protection.

[ChimpMaster]

And Bankers rhymes with Prankers. And we all know what a load of prankers they are.

[DodgyAgent]

Some groups are protected due to perceived possibility of discrimination (ones identified by religioun, nationalality, sexual orientation etc).

Bankers are a group that has no such protection.

They are the subject of abuse and stereotyping even though most of them do not earn much money.

[SandyD]

Bankers is such a sweeping statement, do you consider anyone who works in a bank as a banker, or just the front office traders? There is a huge difference between a back office accountant / IT worker and front office banker

[MyUserName]

They are the subject of abuse and stereotyping even though most of them do not earn much money.

Okay, your point is?

[Sysman]

They are the subject of abuse and stereotyping even though most of those who I place do not earn much money because my margins are too high

FTFY

[Bunk]

Bankers are alright. Now, recruitment agents, that's another matter

[DodgyAgent]

Bankers is such a sweeping statement, do you consider anyone who works in a bank as a banker, or just the front office traders? There is a huge difference between a back office accountant / IT worker and front office banker

Which is part of my point about making sweeping generalisations. When bankers are referred to as crooks and Bobs are referred to as having bad hygiene related habits they are the subject of jokes. It seems fair game to make these comments about bankers but no about "bobs". why? they are after all both groups.