It is the same strategy as labeling everything as a "crazy conspiracy theory". It is meant to stifle any real conversation on a topic by ridiculing it and making it a "joke".
As the adage goes, many a true word is spoken in jest. Like those jokes Seth MacFarlane made about Kevin Spacey or Harvey Weinstein. Or the friend you have that says something embarrassing or insulting and then follows it up with "just kidding". "Joking" about something gives you plausible deniability. No one can make serious accusations based upon a "comedy sketch" or a "crazy conspiracy theory".
It may be humor -- but it is deviant humor and not very good humor at that. Great humor can and does touch upon some sensitive subjects -- but great humor allows us to say things that need to be said in a less confrontational way. It allows the comedian to have a real conversation -- even un PC conversations -- that help build bridges between groups of people. It opens us up to greater understanding of a topic or helps us commiserate about the craziness or difficulties in life.
Humor that is dark and meant to shock is the lowest form of humor that there is. I don't think there is any point in giving a pass to this type of humor. Just as there is a great chasm between pornography that depicts consensual adults and child pornography -- it is quite easy to make a judgement call about what types of humor cross a line that a decent and functioning society needs to maintain in order to remain decent and functioning.
view the rest of the comments →
scarlettm512 ago
It is the same strategy as labeling everything as a "crazy conspiracy theory". It is meant to stifle any real conversation on a topic by ridiculing it and making it a "joke".
As the adage goes, many a true word is spoken in jest. Like those jokes Seth MacFarlane made about Kevin Spacey or Harvey Weinstein. Or the friend you have that says something embarrassing or insulting and then follows it up with "just kidding". "Joking" about something gives you plausible deniability. No one can make serious accusations based upon a "comedy sketch" or a "crazy conspiracy theory".
It may be humor -- but it is deviant humor and not very good humor at that. Great humor can and does touch upon some sensitive subjects -- but great humor allows us to say things that need to be said in a less confrontational way. It allows the comedian to have a real conversation -- even un PC conversations -- that help build bridges between groups of people. It opens us up to greater understanding of a topic or helps us commiserate about the craziness or difficulties in life.
Humor that is dark and meant to shock is the lowest form of humor that there is. I don't think there is any point in giving a pass to this type of humor. Just as there is a great chasm between pornography that depicts consensual adults and child pornography -- it is quite easy to make a judgement call about what types of humor cross a line that a decent and functioning society needs to maintain in order to remain decent and functioning.