My partner has always had a bit of a crude sense of humor. Lately with all of the events happening in the country (deportations, racism, civil unrest, politics, etc.) he's making comments that are perhaps crossing the line with certain people. He's not being racist per se but if you don't know his personality or how he jokes, it could definitely be taken the wrong way. I think some people are starting to get bad vibes from him. How should this be addressed?
I guess it depends on what you want addressed. Are you wanting him to stop altogether? Are you wanting him to censor himself when he's around certain people? Are you wanting him to tell more appropriate jokes? You're not really telling me the final outcome here.
Yes, people are sensitive nowadays (perhaps overly sensitive) so it's not uncommon for anyone to misstep and have an "oh shit" moment. We've all probably said something that either came out the wrong way or was received differently than anticipated and we offended someone and/or embarrassed ourselves.
Is he intending to be controversial or does he genuinely think people appreciate his humor? All it takes is him saying the wrong thing to the wrong person and he could definitely be taught a lesson to watch his mouth -- if he can still see it with a black eye.
Normally when it comes to sharing feelings in a relationship, the experts tell you to phrase it with "I feel..." or "I am..." statements rather than being accusatory and confrontational. In this instance, to hell with it. I say be direct, be blunt, be aggressive if that's how he is and his communication method. It doesn't sound like you're going to offend him given the way he presents himself.
Why sugarcoat something if he has no interest in sparing people's feelings? If he's been in today's society for any great length of time (and assuming he's an adult) he knows what's offensive and what's not. When you approach him with it, don't be gentle and tiptoe around it.
"Look, people don't like the comments. Not everyone finds that kind of thing funny. Knock it off."
Simple.
You could add in a little more explanation, such as, "It's fine around your friends or people who 'get you' but in public places or with strangers, don't do it. I don't want to be around it and I won't be. Period."
I'm not saying to make this a full-blown confrontation or fight but either do it before you're going out somewhere (or interacting with others) or immediately after he does it (though not making a scene in front of whoever he offended).
Again, I don't know what your desired outcome is because you simply said you wanted it "addressed" so perhaps this response covers everything and you can go from there.