I grew up in a neighborhood where talking trash was the most valuable currency. I learned quickly that if I could be self-deprecating then others couldn’t get to me. No one could say anything about me that I hadn’t already said about myself.
Now, did that effect my self-esteem in the long run? Oh yeah. I hated myself. But did it also make me popular with the haters? Hahahaha not at all.
These folks are playing the same game. The took the fight to themselves before anyone else could get them. For better or for worse, it was really funny.