There has been alot in the media recently about comedians and their joke that "ush the envelope". Since the Summer and the Brand/Ross vs. Sachs radio debacle there have been a number of incidents where the jokes of comedians have been called into question. For example Frankie Boyle's joke about the Queen and Jimmy Carr's veterans/paralympics joke (look em up if you want their not rally appopriate for a PG13 site). So should comedians have free reign over material? Is it a case of if you don't like it don't listen? Or do comedians have a responsibility not to offend groups or individuals etc. Bear in mind new BBc guidelines would ahve meant some scenes from classic comedies like Fawltey Towers, Blackadder and The Office would be oulawed. What do you think?
Lisa Lampanelli comes into mind, hehe. Talk about offensive XD
No one forces you to watch anything, or even pay attention. Now if they outright mean to offend someone, then ya, it should be banned. However, jokes are rarely intended for that purpose. If a Neo-Nazi was making a joke about a Jew, I would be concerned.
If the jokes are being considered going too far, then people will end up not watching that comedian. So, either the comedian will stop, or they will keep going and no one will like them anymore.
If the jokes are being considered going too far, then people will end up not watching that comedian. So, either the comedian will stop, or they will keep going and no one will like them anymore.
This reminds me of the 2 part South Park episode "Cartoon Wars." South Park is crude, and offensive, but it also makes a lot of great political points. In the episode, Family Guy decides to show the Muslim prophet Muhammed. Kyle and Cartman argue over whether the image should be shown. In the end, Kyle's argument says that if we give into fear, we are enabling terrorism and censorship. It's easy to believe in free speech, but once it gets offensive or dangerous, those are the times when we really need to back it up.
I feel the same way about comedy. It's so easy to believe in free speech. But the second it offends someone, or puts people in danger, it's easy to want censorship. But those are the times when we actually need to support free speech as much as possible... even if it means we offend people.
I believe in freedom so strongly if you want to go into the streets and shout N****r at every black man you see, I would support you for speaking your mind. I'm not gonna do it, or agree with you, but hey, "Freedom of Speech". It's YOUR tongue and I'm not gonna metaphorically cut it off just because I don't agree with you or you offend me. Tv is offending. The internet is offending. Hell, life is offending. But it's not my place (or anyone elses) to say when to draw the line. As long as you aren't interfering with someone's freedom, go ahead.
i disagree, you have the freedom of speech but if you are just useing that right to insult people make them angry then it should be taken away from that person. If they went around yelling N**** to every black man in the street and every one was offended by it that person should get in trouble.
"Anything can be a joke. All you need is one thing blown totally out of proportion. For example: rape.... picture porky pig raping elmur fudd. Now you know why they call him porky, eh?" etc, etc.
You tempted me to post a certain motivational poster, but I will resist. HOWEVER! I will state my thoughts on the matter.
The first amendment protects free speech in any form. However, I disagree with the first amendment. Censorship is necessary for any government (and is used, you just aren't aware of it). Freedom of speech is given to those who do not deserve to be free, who would speak out against the very government that has granted them the freedom to do so. We have become too comfortable with our freedoms (which have been hard-earned). It's time to cut back.
Interesting.... The reason I bring this up is that one of my favourite comedians, Jimmy Carr, who is known and renowned for his dark style of humour made a joke saying: "Say what you like about the servicemen amputees from Iraq and Afghanistan, but we are going to have a ****ing good Paralympics team in 2012". It was widely reported in the media that the audience reaction was stunned silence (que the tumbleweed) however this turned out to be untrue. Ironically while trying to censor someone elses free speech they kinda abused their own to make up a lie. As for the joke I have to say I laughed and to be fair it isn't even close to being his darkest joke.
I think freedom of speech is important, but if you're just gonna cuss and curse, you should shut up. And if someone makes a joke that's a bit too personal to someone, then the least the offender could do is apologize.
For example, I think Sarah Palin is getting WAY too much hatred. But I also appreciate that. You know why? Because that way I know that she's doing something so the Democrats are getting a bit scared. Kind of like the big powerful general is the guy you snipe first.
