Overheard a woman at my bar say we should cancel every comedian who jokes about tragedies

Last Saturday this couple was arguing at the rail about whether comedians should get a pass for making jokes about school shootings. The woman was dead serious that no joke about a real tragedy should ever be allowed and the guy kept saying humor helps people cope. I just poured their beers and listened but it got me thinking where is the line between dark humor and actually causing more hurt? Does context like how long after the event or the comedian's intent even matter or should some topics just be completely off limits forever?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_margaret19d ago

Read a piece that argued dark humor actually builds resilience against trauma for some people.

miles_sanchez19d ago

Yeah I guess I'm living proof that dark humor helps because I still tell the one about my uncle dying at my cousin's wedding. The band played Free Bird and he just went with it. Nobody laughed but me, which probably says more about my social skills than the joke itself. I figure if it's been a few years and the comedian isn't just punching down at victims, it's fair game. But I'm also the guy who laughs at his own jokes alone in the shower so maybe don't take my word for it.