Few things before I start:

 

1. Yes, I know the title is kinda... eh... but hey, I wanted to do something unique.

 

2. No, this thread shouldn't be moved to the Unpopular Opinions thread. Why? Well, let's just say that the last time I posted in the UO thread, I kinda flew off the handle. And since this is me, I'm probably gonna fly off the handle again, so I'm better off just doing my own thing.

 

Alright, here goes: As a fan of comedy and somewhat aspiring comedian myself, I've been noticing a trend that's been running around society for some time. I can't say when it started exactly, but I'm pretty sure this trend is only so recent. Anyways, the trend I'm talking about is the act of comedians having to apologize for their jokes because they offended someone.

 

Now, I have to say; this makes me very upset. It's not that I enjoy people making fun of other people, but come on. In this day and age, the most popular form of comedy (thanks to stand up acts done by comedians of the short as well as television) is the type that involves outlandish or obscene action or dialouge (dark comedy, insult comedy, gross out comedy, etc) and there are alot of comedians who follow under this practice. They makes jokes about taboo subjects like racism, social problems, rape, and so much more. And right now, pretty much every one of those people have now or will in the future say that they are "sorry" to some person who was "offended" by one of their jokes.

 

I'll list off some examples: Daniel Tosh had to apologize for a rape joke, Gilbert Gottfried had to apologize for making a joke about the tsunamis in Japan (and got fired from doing the voice of the Aflac joke for it), The Onion had to apologize for calling Quvenzhane Wallis a "f**king cunt". 

 

Look, I'll try to make this simple to understand: do you know why comedians make these jokes? IT'S THEIR JOB. A comedian's job is to be funny and entertain an audience. It's not their fault if they do that in the way they do. It's not made to be taken seriously. It's a JOKE. Get it? And why are so many people getting butthurt anyway? Don't they have a sense of humor? Even if they don't, they should have the smallest amount of common sense to know that these people aren't serious. If they do, they're a idiot. Plain and simple. And yes, I understand, some of the jokes that these comedians say really are in poor taste. That doesn't mean it's not funny, and it doesn't mean that just because you got sensitive ass cheeks, that every other friggin person around you does too. More than likely, they're all laughing their asses off while you sit and grumble like a spoiled brat that got his toy taken away. Get the hell over it. And if you don't get it or you don't think its funny, then just go. Go away from it. You obviously don't need to listen it if you don't think its funny. Don't get on your phone and start telling everybody how upset you are just because you think somebody making a joke about Bob Hope's death (who died 50 years ago) is "too soon" and "disgraceful". Dumbass. -_-

 

I hope you at least get the gist of what I'm trying to say here, because I believe this is an important thing to understand. Comedy is being killed by these morons, and somebody needs to tell them to shut up. If you have any thoughts, opinions that may or may not be different than mine, OR if you have another example of a comedian having to say "sorry" to someone, then leave them down below.

 

I hope this thread leave me like Oscar Pistorious: without a leg to stand on. *rimshot* Oh, I'm sorry, was that in poor taste? Well, screw you, I'm not apologizing.

So, if someone gets offended by a joke, they're just a spoiled little brat or an idiot?  Wow.

 

The "I'm joking" rationalization doesn't hold water when the listener is personally invested in a subject matter the comedian is mocking.  It's not "common sense" that someone is joking to someone who feels strongly enough about the subject.  Telling someone it's a joke doesn't soothe the initial sting--to them, it still hurt, and I hardly call them spoiled brats with no sense of humor.  They can have a perfectly good sense of humor; maybe racist jokes just aren't a part of it.  I think "women in the kitchen" jokes are hilarious, but I know other women--pretty much every woman on this site--considers them offensive.  I love South Park but I know many people who despise it on the grounds of it being unfunny, tasteless, and offensive.  And you know what?  They're absolutely right.  And they're absolutely entitled to hate it.  It won't stop me from laughing at it, but sometimes I gotta think what it says about me that I do laugh at something like that.

 

Sometimes you gotta ask yourself if people are just too sensitive, or if you're just too insensitive.  It also ignores the subjectivity in humor, for both the comedians and the audience.  And even if it's perfectly simple to just walk away and let everyone else have their laugh, here's something to think about: to the listener, what does it say about the people laughing?  Maybe some of them know it's not serious.  Maybe some of them are laughing because they actually believe in the jokes, that they actually are racist or sexist of whatever.  Back to my "women in the kitchen" example, hell, maybe I think they're funny because I'm sexist to my own gender.  And I probably am, so they're hilarious to me.  What does me liking that type of joke say about me, regardless of if it's in jest?

 

I strongly suggest reexamining your viewpoint of people who are "killing comedy" for daring to have a different sense of humor, as nothing more than killjoys or butthurt.  Maybe they're "killing comedy" because they're seriously examining the things they thought was funny and thought to themselves, "Hmm, y'know what, maybe it's not that funny after all."  As time goes on, jokes fall out of taste.  Times are changing and maybe the audience and the comedians are reflecting that.

 

Or maybe they can just do their jobs without offending people.  Just a thought.

So, if someone gets offended by a joke, they're just a spoiled little brat or an idiot?  Wow. The "I'm joking" rationalization doesn't hold water when the listener is personally invested in a subject matter the comedian is mocking.  It's not "common sense" that someone is joking to someone who feels strongly enough about the subject.  Telling someone it's a joke doesn't soothe the initial sting--to them, it still hurt, and I hardly call them spoiled brats with no sense of humor.  They can have a perfectly good sense of humor; maybe racist jokes just aren't a part of it.  I think "women in the kitchen" jokes are hilarious, but I know other women--pretty much every woman on this site--considers them offensive.  I love South Park but I know many people who despise it on the grounds of it being unfunny, tasteless, and offensive.  And you know what?  They're absolutely right.  And they're absolutely entitled to hate it.  It won't stop me from laughing at it, but sometimes I gotta think what it says about me that I do laugh at something like that. Sometimes you gotta ask yourself if people are just too sensitive, or if you're just too insensitive.  It also ignores the subjectivity in humor, for both the comedians and the audience.  And even if it's perfectly simple to just walk away and let everyone else have their laugh, here's something to think about: to the listener, what does it say about the people laughing?  Maybe some of them know it's not serious.  Maybe some of them are laughing because they actually believe in the jokes, that they actually are racist or sexist of whatever.  Back to my "women in the kitchen" example, hell, maybe I think they're funny because I'm sexist to my own gender.  And I probably am, so they're hilarious to me.  What does me liking that type of joke say about me, regardless of if it's in jest? I strongly suggest reexamining your viewpoint of people who are "killing comedy" for daring to have a different sense of humor, as nothing more than killjoys or butthurt.  Maybe they're "killing comedy" because they're seriously examining the things they thought was funny and thought to themselves, "Hmm, y'know what, maybe it's not that funny after all."  As time goes on, jokes fall out of taste.  Times are changing and maybe the audience and the comedians are reflecting that. Or maybe they can just do their jobs without offending people.  Just a thought.

I was going to say something like this but you've said it much better than I could've worded it, so I will just say I agree with your points haha.

So, if someone gets offended by a joke, they're just a spoiled little brat or an idiot?  Wow.

 

The "I'm joking" rationalization doesn't hold water when the listener is personally invested in a subject matter the comedian is mocking.  It's not "common sense" that someone is joking to someone who feels strongly enough about the subject.  Telling someone it's a joke doesn't soothe the initial sting--to them, it still hurt, and I hardly call them spoiled brats with no sense of humor.  They can have a perfectly good sense of humor; maybe racist jokes just aren't a part of it.  I think "women in the kitchen" jokes are hilarious, but I know other women--pretty much every woman on this site--considers them offensive.  I love South Park but I know many people who despise it on the grounds of it being unfunny, tasteless, and offensive.  And you know what?  They're absolutely right.  And they're absolutely entitled to hate it.  It won't stop me from laughing at it, but sometimes I gotta think what it says about me that I do laugh at something like that.

 

Sometimes you gotta ask yourself if people are just too sensitive, or if you're just too insensitive.  It also ignores the subjectivity in humor, for both the comedians and the audience.  And even if it's perfectly simple to just walk away and let everyone else have their laugh, here's something to think about: to the listener, what does it say about the people laughing?  Maybe some of them know it's not serious.  Maybe some of them are laughing because they actually believe in the jokes, that they actually are racist or sexist of whatever.  Back to my "women in the kitchen" example, hell, maybe I think they're funny because I'm sexist to my own gender.  And I probably am, so they're hilarious to me.  What does me liking that type of joke say about me, regardless of if it's in jest?

 

I strongly suggest reexamining your viewpoint of people who are "killing comedy" for daring to have a different sense of humor, as nothing more than killjoys or butthurt.  Maybe they're "killing comedy" because they're seriously examining the things they thought was funny and thought to themselves, "Hmm, y'know what, maybe it's not that funny after all."  As time goes on, jokes fall out of taste.  Times are changing and maybe the audience and the comedians are reflecting that.

 

Or maybe they can just do their jobs without offending people.  Just a thought.

 

Okay, let me first say that I might have confused you on something: I don't think people should be called a spoiled brat or an idiot because they got offended by a joke. I DO think they should be called that if they have the gall to call the comedian out, demand an apology and make him or her feel guilty just because this person had to be the one jackass in the room that can't laugh at a joke about racism or mind you. That's what I meant. And even they don't, they at least know that if they don't want to hear it or they do not feel they should listen anymore, they should distance themselves from the jokes and leave it at that.

 

Anyways, for the next thing: so you're saying I should feel bad because I think offensive things are funny? Hate to be an instigator, but no. I'm not, and I won't. Because I know the workings of comedy well enough to know that those jokes are both funny and not intentional. And yeah, I know, some people out there take their jokes seriously and in reality are racist, sexist, bigots or what have you... but they're idiots too, so they don't even deserve to be this conversation. I have enough idiots to discuss about, thank you very much. They're pretty much as worse as the people getting butthurt.

 

Next: Daring to have a different sense of humor? Draco, these people have NO sense of humor. If they did, they would have laughed along with everyone else instead of being a selfish baby. And if they didn't find it funny, then don't laugh. Not every joke is funny to everybody. Just save the laughter for something else OR do the smart thing and GET OVER IT. A comedians job is not to make one person laugh; it's to make an ENTIRE audience laugh. If you're not laughing, then either the comedian sucks or you just don't get it. And if you don't get it, then you might get some other jokes that he/she says in their acts. If you don't get ANYTHING... then either the comedian him/herself is lacking in his/her skills in joke telling, the form of comedy he/she is using isn't humorous to you at all, or you just don't think anything is funny at all. Bottom line: laugh or don't laugh. Make a choice. Just don't call out anyone for doing their job.

 

Lastly: Just so you know, there ARE people who make a living as comedians without addressing taboo subjects. And then are people who do. Maybe these butthurt assholes should go listen to the former if they're so sensitive.

You know what I think is killing comedy: unoriginality.

You know what I think is killing comedy: unoriginality.

 

That's another story for another time, my friend.

you can be funny without making fun of actual issues in the real world

it's been done countless of times

people who rely on awful things for comedy are not only gross people but unoriginal.

its been done. we've heard it. wow yes it's so funny. someone getting hurt is hilarious. we get it.

its so funny to joke about things that directly affect and has affected a mass amount of people in a negative way.

thats so funny yeah guys let's laugh at their misfortune. 

and lets keep doing it over and over and over. because you know we cant firetrucking think of anything else.

if the punch line of your joke is about how terrible/dumb/shitty/idiotic a certain group is or about how funny it is to hurt someone or how funny it is to humiliate people, it doesnt matter how many people laugh (it just shows how gross they are too), its not a good joke.

Edited July 20, 201312 yr by Koko

you can be funny without making fun of actual issues in the real world

it's been done countless of times

people who rely on awful things for comedy are not only gross people but unoriginal.

its been done. we've heard it. wow yes it's so funny. someone getting hurt is hilarious. we get it.

its so funny to joke about things that directly affect and has affected a mass amount of people in a negative way.

thats so funny yeah guys let's laugh at their misfortune. 

and lets keep doing it over and over and over. because you know we cant firetrucking think of anything else.

if the punch line of your joke is about how terrible/dumb/shitty/idiotic a certain group is or about how funny it is to hurt someone or how funny it is to humiliate people, it doesnt matter how many people laugh (it just shows how gross they are too), its not a good joke.

 

Yes, you can be funny without making fun of issues in the real world. However, some people do, and people laugh at it. It's called "insult comedy", and just like the former, there are plenty of people who are willing to laugh at it just as much as people are willing are to laugh at the latter.

 

To follow up, I think you're confusing insult comedians for another group of people. Insult comedians don't go out and openly say they hate something or dislike something and expect people to laugh at it. They have a method in doing that, which is basically what they do for a living: make it funny. Even if they do openly express hate, they are either a) doing it in a ironic manner, B) trying to get shock value, which is debatable on whether that's good or not, or c) you're right, and they aren't very good at comedy in general. However, that doesn't apply to every comedian ever. Just the ones that don't have enough skill to mask their taboo with dialogue, gags, and whatnot.

Edited July 20, 201312 yr by Firaga Sensei

For the most part I do agree that if someone doesn't find a comedian funny whether it be that they don't get their sense of humor or they don't find it "in good taste" then yeah they should just move on and listen to someone else. But in the same way that audiences should be respectful of comedians making the jokes that THEY find funny, comedians should be respectful that there are people out there who do get offended by these things. There are people who have been subject to racism, sexism, etc. and it's natural that they'd feel offended. I don't see anything wrong with a comedian just apologizing for offending them and moving on. I mean, what's the big deal about offering an apology to someone who is hurt or offended? Not being able to own up to something you said? In that case I would find that person to be the "selfish baby." 

Look, I'll try to make this simple to understand: do you know why comedians make these jokes? IT'S THEIR JOB. A comedian's job is to be funny and entertain an audience. It's not their fault if they do that in the way they do. It's not made to be taken seriously. It's a JOKE. Get it? 

I found this argument in particular to not be a very strong one. Saying it's someone's job to be funny doesn't mean they HAVE to use a particular type of comedy. It's their choice what they make jokes about. So yeah it would be "their fault." Not a bad thing per say, but I hope you get what I'm saying.

 

Next: Daring to have a different sense of humor? Draco, these people have NO sense of humor. If they did, they would have laughed along with everyone else instead of being a selfish baby. And if they didn't find it funny, then don't laugh. Not every joke is funny to everybody. 

You contradicted yourself here. You said that because they get angry over one sense of humor they have NO sense of humor and then go on to say that "Not every joke is funny to everyone." That would be because there are different senses of humor.

Ok just to get things straight, are you saying its a bad thing comedians have to apologize sometimes for their jokes? The Onion needed to apologize to Willis, because calling someone that may be funny to others but is very offensive to whoever it's directed towards.

For the most part I do agree that if someone doesn't find a comedian funny whether it be that they don't get their sense of humor or they don't find it "in good taste" then yeah they should just move on and listen to someone else. But in the same way that audiences should be respectful of comedians making the jokes that THEY find funny, comedians should be respectful that there are people out there who do get offended by these things. There are people who have been subject to racism, sexism, etc. and it's natural that they'd feel offended. I don't see anything wrong with a comedian just apologizing for offending them and moving on. I mean, what's the big deal about offering an apology to someone who is hurt or offended? Not being able to own up to something you said? In that case I would find that person to be the "selfish baby." 

 

I found this argument in particular to not be a very strong one. Saying it's someone's job to be funny doesn't mean they HAVE to use a particular type of comedy. It's their choice what they make jokes about. So yeah it would be "their fault." Not a bad thing per say, but I hope you get what I'm saying.

 

You contradicted yourself here. You said that because they get angry over one sense of humor they have NO sense of humor and then go on to say that "Not every joke is funny to everyone." That would be because there are different senses of humor.

 

What do you mean comedians should be respectful? It's their line of work and their taste to be DISRESPECTFUL. They shouldn't have to apologize because they think that saying something that might be offensive to an outside party is funny and the outside party doesn't. What makes these people so Goddamned important that they deserve any form of apology from a comedian for his/her shtick? Selfishness. Plain and simple.

 

If a person doesn't like insulting people, he or she is not going to pursue a job as an insult comic. That's all I'm all saying for that. Although, yeah, I did get what you meant.

 

Crap! *facepalm* Okay let me rephrase the sentence: if a person can't laugh at something, it doesn't mean they don't have a sense of humor. If they think the comedian meant what he said, THEN they don't have a sense of humor, because they jump to conclusions and get upset at a comedian thinking he/she is actually being serious. Better?

What do you mean comedians should be respectful? It's their line of work and their taste to be DISRESPECTFUL. They shouldn't have to apologize because they think that saying something that might be offensive to an outside party is funny and the outside party doesn't. What makes these people so Goddamned important that they deserve any form of apology from a comedian for his/her shtick? Selfishness. Plain and simple.

 

I think that being a human being with feelings and past experiences kinda deserves at least a little bit of respect. Maybe it's just a difference in views, but I like to feel that everyone deserves a certain amount of respect until they've proven that they don't. Kinda like starting at 100% and working your way down. But I suppose that's just me. Also I wouldn't say that it's their line of work to be disrespectful. There are comedians who are and there are comedians who aren't. They choose which side they stand on. Besides I wouldn't think that any comedian would've issued a formal apology if ONE person came forward and asked for an apology. It would take a large group of people making noise about it. I'd say that if a group of people are upset about something, what's the big deal about sitting down and making an effort to at least think about the things you might've said and idk possibly give a reasonable apology? Either way, I can laugh at quite a few distasteful jokes. Maybe it's the family I was raised in, the friends I hung out with growing up, whatever. But I do understand that people think differently and that doesn't mean they don't deserve a little respect.

I think that being a human being with feelings and past experiences kinda deserves at least a little bit of respect. Maybe it's just a difference in views, but I like to feel that everyone deserves a certain amount of respect until they've proven that they don't. Kinda like starting at 100% and working your way down. But I suppose that's just me. Also I wouldn't say that it's their line of work to be disrespectful. There are comedians who are and there are comedians who aren't. They choose which side they stand on. Besides I wouldn't think that any comedian would've issued a formal apology if ONE person came forward and asked for an apology. It would take a large group of people making noise about it. I'd say that if a group of people are upset about something, what's the big deal about sitting down and making an effort to at least think about the things you might've said and idk possibly give a reasonable apology? Either way, I can laugh at quite a few distasteful jokes. Maybe it's the family I was raised in, the friends I hung out with growing up, whatever. But I do understand that people think differently and that doesn't mean they don't deserve a little respect.

 

Okay, I think I may be overgeneralizing things here, I apologize. See, when I say comedians, I don't really mean comedians in general, all right? I just mean comedians who actually go through the practice of apologizing and whatnot: the insult comics, gross out comics, dark comics, etc. They are the subject at hand here. People are these type of comedians don't have to apologize for anything because their material doesn't offend anybody. Let's just get that out of the way.

 

Now then: Tery, I'll be honest. It IS one person who instigates this kind of crap. However, after they splurge their stupidly on the internet and social media, they gather up an army of people who agree with them (God knows why) and this leads to messages and outcries towards the comedian in the situation, which allows him/her to being put on notice that he made some person's but ache with insensitivity. Then comes the apology. So yeah, in the end, it does kinda involve a group, but more than likely, it's always that one person, that ONE PERSON who can't take a offensive joke for the life of them. Or you know, it's a guy and his friends or something, but you know that I mean. Idiots follow other idiots. That's a good way of saying it.

 

Also on the topic of respect: this has nothing to do with respect. The comedians know well enough about their line of work not to openly land themselves in hot water. If they do, it's not the fact they tell offensive jokes, it's because of something else. Unless they actually go out, make a joke, and say they mean it, and start shit or something, but IN GENERAL: A comedian has as much respect for his/her audience to this translation: "These people came here to hear me tell offensive jokes, so I'm going to tell them." If the comedian doesn't take in the count that one person, oh I don't know, doesn't really like the form of comedy he/she is using and only came because their friend invited them, it's not the comedian's fault is it? No.

Also on the topic of respect: this has nothing to do with respect. 

 

 

What do you mean comedians should be respectful? It's their line of work and their taste to be DISRESPECTFUL. 

 

It's a juicy contradiction

 

In the end, I just feel it's a simple apology and it really shouldn't be that big of a deal. Do I get what you're saying? Yeah, I do. There are much worse things in the world to worry about than a joke. But some jokes are just taken too far and in bad taste. And even though it takes ONE person to START a movement asking for an apology it ultimately takes MANY people to agree and follow them. People have minds of their own and even if some of the people are agreeing out of not getting all the facts or whatever, there are many people involved who ARE going to know what the group is trying to do and they are going to agree with it. I just think that if one side should be asked to be respectful of the other side, the same should be asked of BOTH sides.

It's a juicy contradiction

 

In the end, I just feel it's a simple apology and it really shouldn't be that big of a deal. Do I get what you're saying? Yeah, I do. There are much worse things in the world to worry about than a joke. But some jokes are just taken too far and in bad taste. And even though it takes ONE person to START a movement asking for an apology it ultimately takes MANY people to agree and follow them. People have minds of their own and even if some of the people are agreeing out of not getting all the facts or whatever, there are many people involved who ARE going to know what the group is trying to do and they are going to agree with it. I just think that if one side should be asked to be respectful of the other side, the same should be asked of BOTH sides.

 

God dammit! -_- Oh boy, I'm falling off the rail again... uh... okay, how about this: a comedian, no, a comedian who specializes in comedy that may or may not be offensive, in poor taste, or anything should be asked to be "respectful" when the jokes they tell are obviously "disrespectful". It just doesn't make sense. Happy?

 

Anyways: The fact that an apology has to be given doesn't really bug me. The thing that bugs me is that these self entitled and selfish people think they DESERVE to be apologized to because they're apparently the second coming of Christ and that if a comedian says something they don't like or think is not funny or of poor taste, they need to have an apology AUTOMATICALLY. That's my beef right there. I'm fine with people having a different opinion, when they start acting like asshole, that's where the respect counter (as you put it) for me drops straight down to 0.

God dammit! -_- Oh boy, I'm falling off the rail again... uh... okay, how about this: a comedian, no, a comedian who specializes in comedy that may or may not be offensive, in poor taste, or anything should be asked to be "respectful" when the jokes they tell are obviously "disrespectful". It just doesn't make sense. Happy?

 

Anyways: The fact that an apology has to be given doesn't really bug me. The thing that bugs me is that these self entitled and selfish people think they DESERVE to be apologized to because they're apparently the second coming of Christ and that if a comedian says something they don't like or think is not funny or of poor taste, they need to have an apology AUTOMATICALLY. That's my beef right there. I'm fine with people having a different opinion, when they start acting like asshole, that's where the respect counter (as you put it) for me drops straight down to 0.

 

Understandable. I think it really depends on the situation and people involved. Just as most everything does I just think that both sides should TRY to handle it with respect. The moment one side doesn't, the other gets offended and won't show them respect, and it just repeats itself in an endless cycle, you know? 

Understandable. I think it really depends on the situation and people involved. Just as most everything does I just think that both sides should TRY to handle it with respect. The moment one side doesn't, the other gets offended and won't show them respect, and it just repeats itself in an endless cycle, you know? 

 

Yeah, I know. Takes one butthurt and rotten apple to spoil the whole bunch and all that.

Yeah, I know. Takes one butthurt and rotten apple to spoil the whole bunch and all that.

 

Eh, kinda lol Like I said depends on the situation. Either way, just like the comedy that you like and don't worry about what other people like. Just remember they deserve a little respect too.

Eh, kinda lol Like I said depends on the situation. Either way, just like the comedy that you like and don't worry about what other people like. Just remember they deserve a little respect too.

 

Until they f**k it up. Got it. lol

Edited July 21, 201312 yr by Firaga Sensei

Until they f**k it up. Got it. lol

 

Kinda lol But I said what I wanted to say and I'm sure you said all you wanted to say. Sooooo have a good one~

Kinda lol But I said what I wanted to say and I'm sure you said all you wanted to say. Sooooo have a good one~

 

You too, Bri.

You too, Bri.

wat

wat

 

Yes, that's right. I know your real name.

Yes, that's right. I know your real name.

 

My real name is Trey...

My real name is Trey...

 

...

 

Look! Up in the sky! It's Jump To Conclusions Man!!~

 

Heh... sorry.