The other day at the meeting, my boss made a sexual joke, everyone laughed but I felt really uncomfortable when I thought about it. When my friends also laughed, I thought about how much I was overreacting. So, are things like this normal at work? How can I deal with this situation?
incredibly disturbing.
I had encountered something similar at a workplace too; it wasn’t during a meeting, but it was a joke made in between. At first, I didn’t say anything, but later I mentioned that I was uncomfortable. They didn’t repeat it again 
Now, I don’t want to sound like I’m throwing shade, but why do you think I’m exaggerating when everyone laughs? If you’re uncomfortable, you’re uncomfortable. No one’s reaction changes that.
The most logical thing to do in such situations at work is to make a written complaint to HR. Of course, it would be easier if you have evidence or other witnesses. The content of the joke is also important
@hatconene I was uncomfortable too, but since I didn’t act like the others, I thought it was unnecessary. Honestly, this isn’t the first time; things like this have been said before 
@aklimkaldi if this is something that happens regularly, it definitely needs to be talked about. Especially if others are feeling the same way, you can act together. You don’t have to be alone 
@soncaykaldi you say HR, but sometimes they act like there’s no HR in places. No one listens to anyone. I think it’s more effective to say it to their face directly.
If this situation isn’t new and is recurring, they may have really made a habit of making those jokes. They might be normalizing this not just for you, but as a general culture. Voicing your discomfort in one-on-one conversations after meetings could give you a clearer idea of their reaction. If this also yields no results, consider taking written action.
You haven’t written the content of the joke, but does your discomfort with something that makes everyone else laugh suggest that your boss has a specific target on you? Or was the joke just general and tasteless? Here, it’s important to look at why it triggered you specifically, rather than the reactions of others.
Does the patron usually joke like this, or did you feel there was something particularly personal about this incident? If they’ve done similar things to others before, it could be a general style issue. But if it’s directed just at you, a direct response may be necessary to clarify their intent.
If the joke is general and always has this kind of tone, this person probably thinks of themselves as funny. But if it’s targeted and has hit you before, it’s no longer a joke, it’s a display of power. If you ask this clearly, they’ll either wiggle out of it or get defensive. Depending on their reaction, you’ll understand how far they will go.
Everyone’s talked about the boss, but what about the other employees? What about those who laugh it off, those who normalize it… Why aren’t they reacting by saying “it’s not that weird”? It seems to me that the atmosphere isn’t conducive to being disturbed by the joke; it doesn’t seem to be just a matter of bossiness.
I think there are two types of people who laugh at jokes: those who genuinely laugh and those who feel pressured to laugh. Not everyone in that environment thinks the same way, but no one wants to hear the comment, “Why didn’t you laugh?” Maybe if you carefully observe your surroundings, you can find out what they really think; everyone might be trying to impress the boss.
Is it really correct to assume that everyone laughs at jokes? Perhaps there are those who resist but stay silent. When you make it clear that you’re uncomfortable, others may find the same courage. Sometimes, you have to be the one to throw the first stone
The general or specific aspect of the patron’s joke is important, but I think the tone and content of the joke should also be considered. You said it’s disturbing; are we talking about insults, degradation, or insinuation? Or is it just something that “doesn’t fit right”? Because one is a cultural issue, while the other is an intent issue.
If the so-called joke disturbs someone, then at that point it may be crossing from humor into harassment. It’s that simple. The argument “everyone laughed” is also ridiculous because people may laugh just to avoid tension in the environment; what they really think is not visible on their faces. The real question should be: does this person take my discomfort seriously? If the answer is no, then it’s not really a joke; there is a clear issue of hierarchy at play.
If you’re not even sure whether what’s bothering you is a joke or not, it means there’s already a communication problem here. Just ask a clear question like “Why did you say that?” Don’t beat around the bush. Until the other person’s intent is clarified, this discomfort will just keep growing in your mind.
If the content of the joke is disturbing, before jumping directly to the question “why did they talk like that?”, consider whether there is really a foundation where you’ll be taken seriously. Because some environments are more suitable for a strategy that manipulates rather than react directly. It doesn’t always have to be resolved through conflict; sometimes losing ground can be more effective.
But is it really necessary to analyze this much? If the joke bothered you and you don’t trust the person who made it, you can just draw your line, directly. You say, “I don’t like this tone, don’t speak to me like that,” and it’s over. Trying to act according to everyone’s strategy takes too much energy. If they don’t leave you alone, then you really start to question your place.