Lol no, ABSOLUTELY not. Short of actually breaking the law - doxxing someone, threatening physical violence, etc. what would this theoretical punishment for these "boundaries" even entail? Arrest them? Stripping them of their wealth and ruining their lives? For merely expressing themselves via art/entertainment? That's an extremely dubious slippery slope of Fascism that frankly I fear far more than any super edgy comedian. It's a sad state of affairs when comedy has become a virtually dangerous art form to get into these days, as doing so could threaten the very livelihood of these artists if they "step over the line". It's a mark of how Authoritarian the Western world has fallen to in the last decade or so.. It's so Medieval and backwards.
Of course it's well within the rights of people to crap on comedians for cheap shots too (especially when they're completely unfunny, shock-laugh type stuff that's used as a cheap way to get attention, like that Kramer dude or whatever). But even so, the comedians have a right to do so, certainly in America where we still value free speech. Let the market sort it out. If a comedian sucks or is using content that's totally inappropriate with no redeeming qualities in funny, thought-provoking material, they very likely won't be popular anyway.
In fact, I'd go out on a limb and claim that most good comedy SHOULD be (and thrives on being) offensive, anti-establishment, or at least provocative. Most of the best comedians IMO: George Carlin, Bill Hicks, Bill Burr, Dave Chappelle, Ricky Gervais, Chris Rock, Sarah Silverman, are largely as funny and interesting/dynamic as they are BECAUSE they push boundaries and aren't afraid to offend. Comedy is often funny by reminding people and forcing them to confront and share in some uncomfortable truths (conveyed in a hyperbolic and/or goofy manner of course). Shine a light on the fact that the "emperor has no clothes". Force us to laugh at ourselves, even in a crude fashion. Etc..
That said, I don't think EVERY comedian should necessarily be this way. I'm also a big fan of a handful of more surface level, "turn off your brain", inoffensive comics like Steven Wright, Zack Galifianakis, Whitney Cummings, Sebastian Maniscalco, Mitch Hedberg, etc.. Like any art form - those looking to avoid the offensive, deep, or uncomfortable stuff and simply want to escape and chill have plenty of options with comedians/comedy as well. Like the old (and mostly defunct) left used to say when I was growing up, "If you don't like it, change the dial". Variety is the spice of life.
Last edited by DarthMetalliCube - on 29 April 2024
"We hold these truths to be self-evident - All men and women created by the, go-you know - you know the thing!" - Joe Biden
