An update on the That's Not Funny post...
Mandi found this piece - and I think it's really worth the read (there is profanity throughout the piece, if that bothers you) - by a male Austin-area comic, to the Tosh rape joke fiasco. The whole thing is powerful, but here is my favorite quote (profanity omitted by me):
Offended hasn't got anything to do with it, moron.
People have wounds, and those wounds are painful. That doesn't have s--- to do with the weak concept of "taking offense." If someone talks about Texas being a s----- state, I might "take offense" at that. Fine, whatever. All of us who like comedy are generally in agreement with the idea that "taking offense" is lame, and a comedian should be willing to "offend" whenever he or she wants to.
But causing pain is quite a different f------ matter. Your job as a comedian is to take us through pain, transcend pain, transform pain. And if you don't get that, you are a f------ bully, and I've got zero time for bullies.
Wow, that's a really great way to put it!
ReplyDeleteI know, right? And his greater post would probably sound aggressive coming from a woman, but it sounds quite thoughtful coming from a guy. It's a useful addition to the conversation, which is impressive.
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