Many, many years ago, when casual racism was more acceptable, my uncles Jimmy & Michael had a bit of a running joke. Uncle Jimmy (who lived in America) would always tell Uncle Michael (who lived in Ireland), that the only way to get ahead in America was to take advantage of the welfare system by adopting lots of black babies.

Gradually, Auntie Marie & Uncle Jimmy realise they can't have children. They get desperate. They go to Brazil & adopt a baby. It's much cheaper to adopt a black baby, so they do.

They forgot all about their little joke until quite recently when Uncle Michael, forgetting totally about my cousin, said 'Jimmy, do people still have to adopt black babies to get on in America?'

Cue looks of bewilderment & horror from everyone in the room, except for my mum, who ran out the door giggling like a mad thing.