Ricky Gervais and offensive jokes...

[Raz]

So a couple have complained about Ricky Gervais making an inappropriate joke about dead babies. Sadly the couple's son was stillborn last year and going to see Ricky was the first time they'd been out since. Now obviously they were already in an emotional state and were still grieving when they heard the joke and they promptly left the show. What I find even more inappropriate is Ricky's response to the couple walking out which basically centres around "offence as the collateral damage of free speech" - article below:

http://news.sky.com/story/ricky-gervais-defends-dead-babies-joke-at-show-in-belfast-10818401

I understand the point he is making, but surely empathising with people, especially those grieving a loss, is more important than what is ultimately a laugh? I agree with the point that you shouldn't need to 'modify' your thoughts and views in case of offending someone e.g. where a discussion about different religions may involve some questions or views which could be offensive but being controversial to get a few laughs or to get yourself noticed is hardly the same.

On the other hand, would he be making these jokes if he had lost a child of his own?

I know there's been quite a lot of discussion on free speech on these forums, and one of the reasons I joined all those years ago was because of a thread on freedom of speech and Islam (it went "well") but I think some comedians try to be controversial just for the sake of it and the publicity it generates (as well as some trying to be seen as an intellectual type etc).

thoughts?

 

[nitram100]

Should he poll the audience to see what offends them before his show? I lost a sister when she was young, this joke wouldn't offend me.

 

[Raz]

Should he poll the audience to see what offends them before his show? I lost a sister when she was young, this joke wouldn't offend me.

To be fair to him that couple may well have laughed had they not lost a child. I think it's more about his response (he may have apologised directly to them but stuck to his principles of what's in i.e. everything and everyone).

Franky Boyle is another one - funny guy but can be a bit offensive.

Maybe all comedians should be screened by Michael McIntyre before their shows?

 

[diamount]

A comedian who doesn't tread on egg shells really isn't a comedian in my eyes. But you simply cannot say what jokes are acceptable or not, but why are they even taking Ricky Gervais seriously in the first place? Same goes with David Chappelle being called 'transphobic'. Every demographic is fair game when jokes are concerned.

 

[Diddums x]

Some people need to get a life.

 

[Ayahuasca]

Ricky is spot on, why didn't they go to the press about other offensive jokes he's made.

I understand they've went through an extremely horrible situation themselves but emotional thought (which in their circumstances is a normal reaction) has trumped a rational one.

 

[Raz]

Ricky is spot on, why didn't they go to the press about other offensive jokes he's made.

I understand they've went through an extremely horrible situation themselves but emotional thought (which in their circumstances is a normal reaction) has trumped a rational one.

Well he's generally offensive to people who believe in God so knowing that fact they still went to his show - essentially we only really get offended if it's an emotional issue for us (which I think he mentions). I remember my uncle being offended watching Naked Gun (when he slaps the Ayatollah) and told me and my brother off for getting it. A few years later he put it on while we were there and laughed his head off...

 

[dowie]

If he was worried about every single thing that could be offensive to any conceivable person in the audience then...

It is sad they lost their baby but he's not an unknown act, they know what sort of show they're going to see and they've no doubt laughed at other jokes he's made that may have been 'offensive' to others, only now it is something personal to them they go to the papers.

There is a good word used sometimes on the internet to describe people like this - akin to having the feeling of a smacked arse, unfortunately it is banned on this forum because people get 'offended'.

Someone in another thread was getting upset at the use of the word 'chav' or describing something as 'chavvy' - frankly people need to get a grip.

 

[Diddums x]

It doesn't matter what hardship you've been through. The fact is quite simple:

If you go to a stand up gig from the likes of Gervais, nothing is off limits and this is common knowledge. Yes by all means be offended and have a little whinge about it but to then complain? Seriously? That's like standing on the M25 and complaining when you have a Golf stuck up your arse.




These people need to see some Jim Jeffries for some proper offensive stuff.

 

[HardwareGeek]

1 - They went to see Ricky Gervais - Offensive material to be expected
2- They sat though half the show laughing at jokes about other groups, just took offence to dead babies
3 - If you take jokes out of the show that might offend 1 person, there wouldn't be a show left at the end

 

[Malevolence]

thoughts?

That absolutely nothing is off-limits when it comes to jokes.

 

[Participant]

They're understandably upset. Don't judge anyone, neither the offended nor the offender, by the reactions of those in emotional turmoil.

 

[G-MAN2004]

If you can't take a joke, you don't go and see Ricky Gervais of all people...

He's right.

 

[Raz]

and on a related point - where do we draw the line on free speech in general? I can take a joke - I'm a fairly short guy and have had people making jokes about that and I don't mind, because there's things to joke about them which they don't mind. However, would it ever be inappropriate to make a joke about something that could be offensive?

 

[Participant]

and on a related point - where do we draw the line on free speech in general? I can take a joke - I'm a fairly short guy and have had people making jokes about that and I don't mind, because there's things to joke about them which they don't mind. However, would it ever be inappropriate to make a joke about something that could be offensive?

Shouldn't you be off filming Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?

 

[Raz]

Shouldn't you be off filming Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?

another offensive remark. You're on my list mate.

 

[Glaucus]

if you are going to be offended don't goto or watch comedy.
I know they are upset but i still don't get it. you know you are upset, you know its comedy. go i didn't like that bit and move on.
ok its not child, but pretty much everyone has experienced deaths of close relatives.

 

[Participant]

another offensive remark. You're on my list mate.

Your list to be submerged in chocolate?

 

[XeNoN89]

Offense is taken not given. Not the comedians problem if you get upset when his intention was to make you laugh

 

[Johno please?]

and on a related point - where do we draw the line on free speech in general? I can take a joke - I'm a fairly short guy and have had people making jokes about that and I don't mind, because there's things to joke about them which they don't mind. However, would it ever be inappropriate to make a joke about something that could be offensive?

Different people find different things "offensive" so it means nothing really.

My mum died of cancer a couple of years ago, I still find some cancer jokes funny, infact ive always liked dark humour, except I don't call it dark I just call it humour.

Nothing else to say really, Gervais has defended himself correctly.

This is what happens when your society doesn't have free speech.... you get calls for the murder of someone for saying words.....