Some of the world’s best-known comedians such as Jimmy Carr from Britain and Eddie Murphy from the U.S have built their careers on offensive jokes that poke fun of races, beliefs, and others.
These jokes might make the audiences chuckle, but it signifies the question: What is considered crossing the line in offensive stand-up comedy?
Some comedians believe there is a threshold of jokes that should not be said, whereas others believe they are allowed to say anything because of freedom of speech.
Jessica Davis, the coordinator of the Australasian Humor Studies Network, said regarding offensive stand-up comedy, “You can use it for good or you can use it aggressively to hurt people.”
At the 2022 Oscars in March, Chris Rock, an American stand-up comedian, roasted various people including Elon Musk and Will Smith.
When Chris Rock said, “Jada [Will Smith’s wife] love you, but can’t wait to see G.I Jane 2,” Will Smith walked onto the stagged and slapped Chris Rock, showing he did not take it lightly.
G.I Jane is a 1997 American war drama film about a bald woman who undergoes special military operation training. Jada has alopecia which causes hair thinning and baldness.
In the Oscars, Chris Rock thought it was a great joke, but it crossed the threshold of what not to say in offensive stand-up comedy.
Comedy, and all its forms, build communities off of laughter. However, the type of comedy can come at expense.
Sources:
When the lines between offensive comedy and off-limits jokes are blurred – ABC Everyday
Does Stand-Up Comedy Still Have The ‘Right To Offend?’ | HuffPost Entertainment
These jokes might make the audiences chuckle, but it signifies the question: What is considered crossing the line in offensive stand-up comedy?
Some comedians believe there is a threshold of jokes that should not be said, whereas others believe they are allowed to say anything because of freedom of speech.
Jessica Davis, the coordinator of the Australasian Humor Studies Network, said regarding offensive stand-up comedy, “You can use it for good or you can use it aggressively to hurt people.”
At the 2022 Oscars in March, Chris Rock, an American stand-up comedian, roasted various people including Elon Musk and Will Smith.
When Chris Rock said, “Jada [Will Smith’s wife] love you, but can’t wait to see G.I Jane 2,” Will Smith walked onto the stagged and slapped Chris Rock, showing he did not take it lightly.
G.I Jane is a 1997 American war drama film about a bald woman who undergoes special military operation training. Jada has alopecia which causes hair thinning and baldness.
In the Oscars, Chris Rock thought it was a great joke, but it crossed the threshold of what not to say in offensive stand-up comedy.
Comedy, and all its forms, build communities off of laughter. However, the type of comedy can come at expense.
Sources:
When the lines between offensive comedy and off-limits jokes are blurred – ABC Everyday
Does Stand-Up Comedy Still Have The ‘Right To Offend?’ | HuffPost Entertainment
