The various tests for determining whether matter is defamatory are discussed, with the writer pointing out that the "ridiculous light" test has the potential to stifle caricature and satirical writing. The writer then argues that the standard by which the defamatory quality of matter is judged in culturally diverse countries should not be that of the community as a whole, but could equally be that of a respectable minority. Finally, the writer discuses the shift in community attitudes towards sexist advertising, extra-marital relationships, homosexuality and lesbianism, abortion and communism, and the consequences of any such shift for the law of defamation.