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“Free Speech and Standup Comedy”
Presented by Catherine Francis

I was inspired to propose this topic after watching Hannah Gadsby’s newest Netflix special, Gender Agenda, which features a variety of genderqueer comic artists from around the world.  The special was a direct result of Hanna Gadsby’s complaints about Dave Chappelle’s “transphobic” jokes in his 2021 special, The Closer.  Netflix disagreed that his jokes crossed the line and indeed commissioned a new special from him that aired in late December 2023, where he doubled down on the jokes.  

Some time ago, when he was in a temporary doghouse for offending the trans community, Dave Chappelle publicly offered to meet with his detractors on three conditions:

1.  They watch The Closer for beginning to end.

2. They meet at a place of his choosing.

3.  They admit that Hannah Gadsby is not funny. 

Many people would probably agree with this, and many more don’t think that Dave Chappelle is funny either.  But then he is reportedly paid around $20 million per special.  

The net result is that Netflix did not abandon their star (and the audience he brings in) but commissioned Gender Agenda to balance the issue.  

And we have an interesting topic:  where do we draw the line?  

Netflix offers a smorgasbord of stand up comedy ranging from family friendly to raunchy to outrageous.  Some artists specialize in shock comedy.  jimmy Carr has a routine where he asks his audience to help him draw the line.  They never do, as he goes from banal jokes to the death of Diana, all the way up to the Holocaust.  Anthony Jeselnik is a master of tasteless jokes, making cracks about tragedies in real time. Joan Rivers received huge flak when she cracked a joke about 911 widows.   Funny to others, but extremely painful to the victims.  Retelling some of these jokes almost inevitably prompts two simultaneous reactions:  outrage at the insensitivity and … guilty laughter.   And then we have a Canadian comedian who targeted a disabled boy and was sued. The case went all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada where the court sided with free speech over hurt feelings.  

I asked ChatGPT what it thought and got a pithy yet insightful response:

“Comedy and censorship often dance a delicate tango. While comedy thrives on pushing boundaries and challenging norms, censorship can restrict certain topics or language deemed offensive or inappropriate by authorities or communities. Balancing creative expression with sensitivity to diverse perspectives is key.”

I also turned to ChatGPT for some discussion questions since, let’s face it, it’s getting pretty good at coming up with questions:

1. Where do you draw the line between free speech and offensive content in comedy?

2. What role does cultural sensitivity play in determining what is acceptable in comedy?

3. Should comedians be held accountable for the impact of their jokes on marginalized or vulnerable groups?

4. How can comedy be used to challenge stereotypes and promote social change while still respecting boundaries?

5. What are the potential consequences of censoring comedy, both positive and negative?

6. Who should be responsible for deciding what content is censored in comedy: governments, platforms, audiences, or comedians themselves?

7. Can comedy be both edgy and inclusive, or are there inherent conflicts between pushing boundaries and being respectful?

8. How has the rise of social media affected the landscape of comedy and censorship?

9. Should comedians have the freedom to explore taboo subjects, or are there certain topics that should always be off-limits?

10. In your opinion, what are the key principles that should guide discussions about comedy and censorship in today's society?

Join us for a great discussion.