A Defense of Comedy - Page 2

On July 14 2012 06:56 EscPlan9 wrote:


I didn't find Tosh's joke funny either to be frank. To the best of my knowledge, no one recorded what happened, and there are multiple versions on what actually transpired, for sake of context. Staff members at the Laugh Factory where it occurred say it did not happen like the blogger in the audience represented the case. She has her side of the story as well. Some have even said he was responding to a heckler. Either way, there were people who laughed at the joke, so it's tough to say if the joke was funny or not. There are other popular theories on why comedy makes us laugh that can explain situations like this, such as a release of psychological tension (sorta similar to nervous laughter).

I agree freedom of speech does not imply freedom from criticism. People also have the freedom to criticize Tosh for what he said. What I'm saying is, when they are trying to make a normative statement and persuade others with it, I believe they have failed. As I explained, they are not applying the principles to other jokes in a similar fashion, they are only doing it in jokes they personally find distasteful.

People also can write to the networks, etc, voicing their disapproval of what Tosh said and did. That's perfectly within their rights. I'm just saying their argument to persuade others is faulty.

On July 14 2012 07:52 EscPlan9 wrote:
Also, about Voltaire, I profess my ignorance to the full history behind him. I mainly know him for that one quote. Perhaps I misrepresented him - I just thought it was a good relevant quote to this topic.