While Netflix’s popularity is at an all-time high right now, stand-up comedy seems to be less common on the streaming service. Shows such as Cristela Alonzo’s “Middle Classy” have barely been appearing, and there’s a possibility it joins the other couched specials like Katt Williams’ “World War II”. Although these specials are more reliable than riskier stand-up comedy, both of them tackle controversial topics, which still come to show the fine line between comedy and offensive material.
When comedians perform stand-up comedy, they often target a certain group to offend. Whoopi Goldberg, a Black comedian, confronted her opinion regarding self-abortion while also “affecting a white woman’s voice and mannerisms” in front of a white audience. Other stand-up performers, such as Richard Pryor, avoided “palatable” humor for conventional white audiences and included heavy topics such as addiction and racism. Many comedians recognized the effectiveness of disturbing acceptable beliefs and discussing heavy topics that Richard Pryor used. Soon enough, it became the norm.
One obstacle that comedians are constantly facing is society’s opinions. To a certain extent, some may think a joke may be too offensive, which could potentially upset the whole audience. Popular and influential mindsets are also things that comedians need to keep in mind.
With society constantly changing, stand-up comedians have trouble keeping their jokes appropriate. “A comedian’s words today. . .carry such a weight that people feel compelled to more assertively police their language” (Frederick 11).
Now, comedians need to be more hesitant to crack offensive jokes. Since our world’s perspective has changed drastically, many stand-up comedians have to either risk it all or be more passive. It’s up to the audience to decide the boundaries.
When comedians perform stand-up comedy, they often target a certain group to offend. Whoopi Goldberg, a Black comedian, confronted her opinion regarding self-abortion while also “affecting a white woman’s voice and mannerisms” in front of a white audience. Other stand-up performers, such as Richard Pryor, avoided “palatable” humor for conventional white audiences and included heavy topics such as addiction and racism. Many comedians recognized the effectiveness of disturbing acceptable beliefs and discussing heavy topics that Richard Pryor used. Soon enough, it became the norm.
One obstacle that comedians are constantly facing is society’s opinions. To a certain extent, some may think a joke may be too offensive, which could potentially upset the whole audience. Popular and influential mindsets are also things that comedians need to keep in mind.
With society constantly changing, stand-up comedians have trouble keeping their jokes appropriate. “A comedian’s words today. . .carry such a weight that people feel compelled to more assertively police their language” (Frederick 11).
Now, comedians need to be more hesitant to crack offensive jokes. Since our world’s perspective has changed drastically, many stand-up comedians have to either risk it all or be more passive. It’s up to the audience to decide the boundaries.