Where's the line for Comedians
 

Nobody likes a laugh more than myself, but where should the line be drawn. A "Top Line Comedian" has again been blasted for telling tasteless jokes, the same comic that has done it on other occasions, he's the one who thought it funny that the was a bright side to having troops losing limbs, a great para-Olympic team and the other week thought it funny to make a gag about the motorway pill up that killed quite a few people. His latest effort was about Sunshine coaches and all the kids that use them look the same. That comedian is Jimmy Carr, when these saw called comedians have to stoop so low to get a laugh its time to jack it in, I wouldn't care but I don't think he's funny anyway:mad:

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

I think these modern comics, I use that loosely, just do it to garner attention. Just look at Ricky Gervais, one of the most inept people on the planet, don't get me started on rosy and brand.....
Why not give Jasper Carrott, Smith and Jones, , Rowan Atkinson, John Cleese etc a new tv series.
And to think Bernard Manning was un PC ...

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

Modern comedians are so unfunny.
I cannot stand Keith Lemon. Himself watches his Celebrity Juice program and as soon as it comes on I leave the room. I find his humour coarse and tastless. Just the kind of thing that 12 year olds find amusing.
Jimmy Carr......he should go and play in the road with the heavy traffic......that boyle fellow too......crass and tastless.
The only one I can bear to watch is John Bishop.

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

I have been a fan of Bish, well before he was big, seen him twice in Blackburn, shame he is not going there on his next tour, but goodness me he is funny.

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

so after all these years of telling jokes about children been raped by priests etc the final straw was a joke about a crash ?

people who hire him , go to see him know what to expect but i guess some people only go to see him so they can run back and alert everyone that a bad man is telling naughty jokes or somones hired him knowing they will get some publicity from his jokes.

iv told worse jokes down the pub and iv certainly recieved worse via text or email.

bad taste - yes

funny - depends on the person hearing it.

should he be stopped - No just because some folk dont like what they hear they shoud simply avoid him and leave his shows to the people who do ;)

All i know is that if i was easily offended or was hosting a show for the easily offended i woudlnt hire or go to see jimmy carr :D

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

My sentiments also, don't much care fer modern comics, but bottom line is a jokes a joke, ok some i hear i dont tell everyone, but i still tell em.

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

Wasn't the joke about a downs syndrome child?

Can you imagine having a down's syndrome child...the disruption to your life......the health worries, the learning difficulties???
Making a joke about something like that is crass.
I worked in the NHS for many years and Nurses and Doctors are notoriuous for their black humour, but only among ourselves.
I would not pay to see these moronic stand up comics. Bernard Manning was slated because he talked about Non PC things in his act...people decided they didn't want to listen to homophobic nonsense, but Down's and disabled children is fair game?
Not in my book it isn't.

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

Styles in humour change as society changes.
Sick humour reflects a 'sick society'.
I don't find it amusing either.

I recently got into the habit of listening to Radio 4Extra, which re-airs old comedy shows, such as The Goon Show and Take it from Here. In their day I thought them hilarious - now they seem corny

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

Two years ago I went to see Marcus Brigstocke live. He was on stage for over two hours and was... well, just funny. There are so many comedians about that some of them are bound to get on your tits. I like Boeing Guy's description of Ricky Gervais as one of the most inept people on the planet and I don't think anyone on these threads has said they find him funny. Others I can't stand are Russell Brand, Alan Carr, Jimmy Carr, Michael Mcintyre (if only for that irritating voice). Paul Merton is another turnoff.

I do like Dara O'Briain, Andy Parsons, Russell Howard, from which you will gather I am a Mock the Week fan, and yes, I also liked Frankie Boyle on that show.

It's a matter of personal taste though I do agree that certain subjects are best avoided.

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

have to say i don't find him funny nor do i find most modern comedians funny, however i can at times have a very dark sense of humour and find humour in the worst of possible situations. i haven't heard the jokes in question so can't comment on them but i'm sure i've heard worse from mates.

don't forget, it wasn't that long ago that it was acceptable to take the mick out of race and colour.

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

Must agree i find most modern comics totally rubbish. I was never a fan of Chubby Brown who people found funny because he swore. But as someone said-if your easily offended dont go. John Bishop is one of the few i like.

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

In a private situation it is different........you know your friends, you know a little bit about them.....you wouldn't tell them a joke that took the rise out of something sensitive in their lives. That is the difference.

I know that comedy can sometimes take the sting out of a situation, but it has to be very carefully worked........and I think that to a great extent you have to know your target audience.
Sometimes you will go to a show thinking that you cannot be shocked, feeling pretty broad minded......but the callous and cruel way that the joke is portrayed maybe what stops you in your tracks.....and just because everyone is laughing and no-one walks out...does not mean that people were not offended.

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

true enough, as i say i dont go in for most of the modern comedians as i do not find thrm funny. apart from a select few and i have never been one for manning or chubby brown either. i'm not offended by them they just aren't to my taste.

as i say,i cant comment on the jokes in question as i haven't heard them

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

in fact on accyweb it's still acceptable to take the mick out of us welsh http://www.smileyvault.com/albums/us...heepsmiley.gif

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

I said my piece on a smilar subject, in this thread.

http://www.accringtonweb.com/forum/f...ght-28885.html

Margaret P. mentioned those working in the health service as having a black humour.

Some people laugh at things they're not supposed to, as a release.

It's human nature.

A coping mechanism, for some, so they don't cry, at the cruelty life can inflict.

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

True also to defuse and de-mystify things - wartime humour is a great example of how we need to laugh off what disturbs us...
Don't know the commedians you refer too for the most part so can't comment on individuals...

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

It's like me calling you a nutty bat/drama queen/giddy kipper.

It isn't done with malice.

It diffuses the situation, and affords me a little breathing space, in my hidey-hole.

http://freeemoticonsandsmileys.com/3...ys/stalker.gif


:D

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

How dare you make pubblic the sweet nothings you call me in private Li'l Boy Blue?;)

As for Drama Queen i thought we'd established you were the undisputed King in that department....... :D

You did forget one -she is very irate and will soon be on your case. :rolleyes:

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

Nothing to do with the thread but mobertol,s avatar pic is gorgeous hubba hubba:dflam::dflam:

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

Yeah, all her pics have been - at first at thought it was Mobertol herself !!

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

No it isn't steve, I've met her she's much nicer than that:D

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

Why thank you all, "bellissimi" -that's so nice -of course it is really me - Gina Loopybridgida version -my alter-ego, invented of course by Chavrinda -whoops, sorry Garinda. He is such a naughty bambino some times and severe punishment awaits him from his Italian "Mamma", he just doesn't appreciate me as you sweet guys do...:rolleyes:

(By the way John the day i met you I had my serious "kick-ass" Timberland boots on for going up to the Lakes- will wear them next time I'm over and am going to visit that cute Li'l Boy Blue....;):D)

My avatars always reflect the way I'm feeling day by day, that's the fun in changing them and the signature....it's an interesting game.:) Watch and keep guessing...

To keep on thread -this is all a commedy...(pathetic attempt...)

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

Now Steve, that wouldn't be why i've had so much karma from you lately?;):D

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

Yes Miss Loopybridgida, and I warned you it was too chilly to wear that sweater today...without your vest.

You'll probably wake up tomorrow feeling a little hoarse.

http://www.friendsoffoamy.com/forum/...orse-rider.gif

Silly cucciola mia.

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

Yes! I do like to spread it around for no particular reason....but I have my favourites!!

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

Same here Steve .. think I've re-paid you the odd time -including tonight. Congrats for the Trivia quiz BTW - am regretting joining the big recruitment drive -my placing has plummetted!:D

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

Oh dear - would you like me to retire?

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

Not at all Susie - it's much better with more players ...still waiting for just one quiz for all though:).....

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

That's it, you nailed it:alright: ... this is the law, all the rest is commentary ... and whether one laughs or not is a matter of personal taste.

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

Oh ... and to answer the question, there is no line ... if there were, it would be censorship. What's worse, someone telling you what is, or what is not funny ... or some joke you can choose to listen to or not. I remember some Danish cartoons a couple of years back .... :rolleyes:

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

I'm always amazed at the speed with which jokes fly across the world, minutes after something horrible has happening.

Do they all sit in a big room somewhere, watching live news streams, fingers poised on their keyboards?

Oh no!

I'm a conspiracy theorist.

:eek:

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

A lot of 'em end up on here Sickipedia - Building the world's best collection of sick jokes If something big hits the news it probably can be on here within the hour.

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

Exactly n those who judge "Don't" or "Shouldn't" go see em, there has always been "Black" Humour, always will be, n always those that don't like it, its called life.;)

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

thanks for the link, off to see what there is to chuckle at.

http://www.smileyvault.com/albums/us.../evillaugh.gif

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

Jimmy Carr says there are no taboo subjects.........I have to admit that I don't watch him because I find his humour inane, juvenile, and er....humourless.....but I am pretty sure he doesn't joke about Jews or Muslims....maybe because there would be the kind of backlash that he doesn't need, and these groups of people are stronger.......he prefers to joke about disabled children.

Anyway...Karma to him.

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

Maybe it all has to do with visitors from the future; someone like George Kilroy:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Message_(short_story)

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

That's where i draw the line, i do think that comedy has to be allowed the license to be controversial and certainly non pc, but i draw the line at making fun of people who are unable to defend themselves...its basically the rules of the playground bully all over again, is cowardly and has no place in a civilised society!

Best Regards - Taggy

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

My thoughts entirely on the subject Taggy. As for jokes they say that there are only 5 basic jokes which all comedy is based on, never quite worked out what they are

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

There certainly is a line and it was most definitely crossed by Carr on this occasion. As Margaret pointed out, had he made a joke about muslims or the holocaust etc he would have been castigated by mainstream media. It seems some P.C causes are more trendy than others. How disabled children can be mocked whilst a whole religion can be protected is beyond me. I think if i would be more offended by the Downs Syndrome gag than any about my colour etc. It seems that certain minority groups are'nt worthy of P.C protection purely because there are'nt as many of them to upset and lose their votes, thats why its political.

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

I've read this thread a few times. My son has downs syndrome and over the years we have been used to the stares and the 'kind' generalised comments people make. Luckily for him I'm sure frankie boyle's 'joke' would by-pass him completely. It only hurt us as parents but we just take the view that in life there will always be these kind of people and we are better than that.

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

I like a laugh as much as most people but can't understand the inversion there seems to have been from knocking the big institutions to focussing on the more vulnerable in society.

The first real "modern" commedian for me was Dave Allen - back in the 70's- simple recogniseable style and a laid back delivery - he represented the average man on the street.

He was a religious skeptic or "what you might call a practising atheist" (his own words) Religion became an important subject for his humour, especially the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of England, generally mocking church customs and rituals rather than beliefs.

He said that power and the hierarchy of everything in life was what bothered him. People, whoever they might be, whether from the government, the police, nuns and priests or just the anonymous the man on the door ....

He was a true cynic and that to me is what real commedy is about....

"Goodnight, thank you, and may your God go with you". :rolleyes::D

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net...28702670_n.jpg
MY KIND OF HUMOUR...

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

Add my name to that letter to Santa...:p

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

I am not advocating censorship.....I am advocating sensitivity.....a sort of self regulated, in built, ethical compass.
And it wasn't a joke as such where Jimmy Carr made fun of Down's children, it was a sort of comment, a remark.
Which says a lot about the ethics of the man. If he thought that waht he said was funny, then he has a very sick sense of humour, no ethics and no moral compass.

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

I really like that Grannyclaret.

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

You are right Mariam, it doesn't hurt the children with Downs syndrome because frequently they do not understand it. But it does cause hurt and offence to the parents and families, who are the advocates of these children.
And yes, you are better than him because he has no humanity.

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

I agree with all of that!..Its like i said earlier, its cowardly bullying not comedy!...Because Disabled people don't have a big enough voice he thinks he can get away with saying things about them that he wouldn't dare say about Black people or people of different race to him!

The negative image of late, portrayed of Disabled people in the media does not help & people such as Carr & Gervais think they have Carte Blanche to say anything they want...unless as i say its about Race!

Best Regards - Taggy

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

I'm not saying you are advocating censorship, hon .... I just offered an answer to the question posed in the thread title ... Personally, I find there are certain types of comedy, certain jokes which are not funny because of their subject ... but that's only my opinion. I know, for example, that some folks object to obscenity in comedy ... I admit that I don't like it (me, with a vocabulary that would roast a sailor's parrot) if it serves no comedic purpose.

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

Humour comes in many shapes & forms & what appeals to one person may well be offensive to another, that's the nature of the beast. As to censoring it, it can't work as it's horses for courses because when alls said & done these people are trying to earn a living in their own way the same as everyone else.

Admittedly some things are nearer to the bone than others & if a particular comic is known for their abrasive style & is likely to offend your personal sensibilities switch off or over, that's really all that can be done. We all complain loudly enough when we feel we've been subjected to attacks & infringements on our personal liberties because of views or comments we may make, should our detractors be sanctioned & censored for their opinions too ?

As with all things there has to be give & take, the World isn't perfect so we've got to get along as best we can.

For the record, I don't really like Jimmy Carrs material, but occasionally he'll cause me to grin.

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

i am by no means in agreement with mocking vulnerable and disabled people, however where do you draw the line. I remember a very funny story told by jim davidson where at a disabled soldiers reunion one disabled squaddie walks up to
simon weston and says ' ullo simon, we was only talking about you the other day.......... was your ears burning again?

very dark,totally un pc and in bad taste yet bloody hilarious and a true story

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

You draw the line at the point where the Target audience can't defend them selves!!..Simon Weston is ex forces and can give as good as he gets!...A Brain Injured Youngster unfortunately can't!...and if there's one person on here who could give me a good reason why a Brain Injured youngster should become a target for someones's comedy & cheap laugh's...i'd like to hear it!

Best Regards - Taggy

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

I think most of what I would have said on this topic has been said..Jimmy Carr should be banned from television, and public theatres ,since his kind of comedy is NOT comedy..As for crossing the line,well , he's over it by a mile. Get shut, and give John Bishop the air time, he is a funny man no probs....

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

Agree with that!..I've heard John Bishop interviewed a few times too & he seems a really nice fella!

Best Regards - Taggy

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

i agree to a point as i said i do not agree with taking the proverbial out of vulnerable people however should all disability be a taboo?also in the previous example simon weston was known by the guy however standup comedians do not have that luxury with their audiences i have seen stand ups take the mick out of disabled people in the audiece and the disabled people have loved it as they have felt included simply because has gone against the 'oh no mustn't take the mick out of him cause he's in a wheelchair' kind of thinking as i said before i don't know what the joke in question was so i can't comment and personally i think jimmy carr is a waste of airtime purely cos he aint funny or entertaining in any way, im a fan of qi but i will not watch it if he's on it

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

OK, to make things clear from my point, i'm talking about Disabled people who are so obviously disabled that they can't get the joke!

Best Regards - Taggy

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

What about children who suffer from obesity, victims of child abuse, and people disabled by motor neurone disease?

Three jokes, originally written and performed by John Bishop.


John Bishop: "Being an England supporter is like being the over-optimistic parents of the fat kid on sports day." (From top ten jokes from the Fringe, 2010.)


John Bishop: My son always misbehaved and there was nothing I could do about it. So I asked an expert and she said the next time he has a tantrum don't get angry, just splash him with some water. I though this was weird but I tried it anyway. However it just made him worse. He just screamed even more.

I should probably not use the kettle next time...
Sickipedia Search Results - Bishop


John Bishop: How does Stephen Hawking know he has won a prize?

There's a ramp.
Sickipedia - How does Stephe...

:rolleyes:

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

my point is should we stop telling jokes that offend someone if not why is it ok to offend some people but not others

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

just to be clear, we can't take the mick out of man utd. fans then :D

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

I think any humour can be cruel, but it depends on the context, of who says it, where it's said, and to whom.

The only thing I ever struggle to remember is jokes.

I'm just trying to think of a joke that doesn't ask the listener to laugh at some target.

Are there any?

Because we create taboos, about certain things that are off limits, people will still make jokes about them, and some people will laugh, mainly because of nerves, that a taboo subject has even been touched upon.

I don't think you can ban certain subjects, though of course you can limit the audience.

I once heckled someone at a comedy club in London, at a joke I found offensive, whilst I was sat right in the front row.

My heckle was way funnier than his act, and also got a bigger laugh, than he'd been getting up until then.

He totally lost it, and left the stage, without saying another word.

Result.

People will continue to joke about things some will find offensive.

People should be free to complain about them, if they do.

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

Shut up Nerys.

You're so not funny.

Run along now.

You've rams that need milking.

After you've finished worrying the sheep, with their life coaching lessons.

:D

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

i find that highly offensive and feel you should be banned forthwith

:p

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

Its not OK to tell a Joke about someone who isn't able to see that they are being made fun of!

Best Regards - Taggy

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

but is it not worse to offend someone who understands the fact they are being offended, surely someone is unaware or unable to understand the joke, by sheer logic is therefore not offended. only the people who understand the joke are offended and as they are not the subject of the joke should not be offended as they are only assuming that the person the joke is aimed at is offended by it. which is worse? in my experience someone making assumptions as to the way you think or feel and voicing that point without your input is just as offensive. However as the people in question can not actually voice their opinion we will never know whether it is offensive to them or not.


at the end of the day i have already said that i don't particularly agree with it but there are two sides to every coin. and there are some people that believe that all publicity is good publicity and there being controversial is guaranteed to get you noticed hence guaranteed publicity. i've just read the comments and personally i've heard a lot worse, although i still don't find him or his jokes/comments funny

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

OK i'll make this a bit simpler then!..My own Son is Brain injured...he find's Ricky Gervais and also Little Britain Parody's deeply offensive..in fact they have totally destroyed his confidence, because he now thinks everyone is laughing at him!..He feels confident enough in explaining that to me...but he would be frightened of meeting you because of that experience!

Best Regards - Taggy

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

while i most definately feel for your son and of course yourself. no-one deserves to suffer in that way you have to admit he is only 1 example of the thousands of people in the same position. it is the same as saying that because 1 irishman is offended by a paddy murphy joke ALL irishmen are offended by the same joke and they should therfore be banned. which we know to be untrue otherwise people like hal roach and dusty young would never have been the hits that they were.

the sad fact is that although a comedian may not be to your taste, as long as there are enough people that put their bums on the seats of their shows they will continue telling the jokes to their audiences. the answer is, if you don't like them or their material then don't watch them!

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

The thing is this chap has said nothing is sacred when it comes to comedy, can't remember him telling many jokes about islam, funny that ain't it;)

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

They don't have a sense of humour, like most southerners;)

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

Yes, Eric......I suspected that. I just wanted to clarify what I meant.
I think your sense of humour changes as you get ....er, more mature. (at least mine has)
You become a little more aware of sensibilities, sensitivities......you become more aware of how things can be hurtful rather than funny.
I think this is because you have experienced more things in life.

I was angry when the comedian(he doesn't really deserve that title as he is as funny as a cold sore) referred to Katie Price's disabled son, Harvey, in one of his jokes.
It was personal, it named the little boy and it was offensive. And he thought it was suitable for public consumption.
He was making money out of telling a story about a blind brain damaged little boy.

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

How very sad. Don't see how anyone finds Ricky Gervais and Little Britain remotely funny but this really says it all. Hope your son can overcome this one day.

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

No-one could possibly be offended at this.:D


Wales

An Australian ventriloquist visiting Wales, walks into a small village and sees a local
sitting on his porch patting his dog. He figures he'll have a little fun.

Ventriloquist: "G'day Mate! Good looking dog, mind if I speak to him?"
Villager: "The dog doesn't talk, you stupid Aussie."
Ventriloquist: "Hello dog, how's it going mate?"
Dog: "Doin' all right.
Villager: (look of extreme shock)
Ventriloquist: "Is this villager your owner?" (pointing at the villager)
Dog: "Yep"
Ventriloquist: "How does he treat you?"
Dog: "Real good. He walks me twice a day, feeds me great food and takes me to the lake once a week to play."
Villager: (look of utter disbelief)

Ventriloquist: "Mind if I talk to your horse?"
Villager: "Uh, the horse doesn't talk either....I think."
Ventriloquist: "Hey horse, how's it going?"
Horse: "Cool"
Villager: (absolutely dumbfounded)
Ventriloquist: "Is this your owner?" (pointing at the villager)
Horse: "Yep"
Ventriloquist: "How does he treat you?"
Horse: "Pretty good, thanks for asking. He rides me regularly, brushes me down often and keeps me in the barn to protect me from the elements."
Villager: (total look of amazement)

Ventriloquist: "Mind if I talk to your sheep?"
Villager: "The sheep's a liar!

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

Agree on Mr Gervais -dead pan - dead boring...

Never really seen Little Britain just the odd sketch but don't think it's my thing either... :confused:

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

No I've not seen Little Britain - the trailers put me right off. And as for those awful Natiowide TV ads they did... :eek:

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

have to say i do quite like it especially how they have charicatured the very extremes of society, very clever, also liked their series done around an airport

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

To be honest I'd rather go the dentist than watch little britain:D

Re: Where's the line for Comedians
 

Oh I loved that sketch.

They had you off to a tee.

:D