is there anything off-limits for comedy?

[theBOD]

was just wondering as i've gotten in an argument with a woman in work who believes that there are certain things that should never be joked about such as race, yet i know for a fact that she owns a the chris rock standup dvd. i am firmly of the opinion that either everything is fair game for comedy or nothing is, including race as long is it is done in the right way where it is genuinely funny/satirical and not hatemongering (chris rock,bill hicks,jimmy carr etc) as oppossed to people who use it to justify vile world views and are not being in the slightest bit ironic. (jim davidson)

Mmm, yes, I kind of agree with you, but I just can't find rape jokes funny. Maybe that's because they are all shit?

yeah i don't think i've ever heard of a woman finding a rape joke funny although there was one made in a stand-up on paramount last night and the whole crowd laughed as they did at the paedophilia joke which followed quickly (it was a stand-up show called blue if anyone was watching).

I think a lot a comedy is about being startled. Either because the punchline of a joke surprised you or because it was shocking in some other way.

It's true that if you allow any subject then a BNP leader could stand up and say racist stuff while wearing a sign saying "I am a comedian" but I think we can all tell the difference really.

A good comedian knows how far to go and if he oversteps it then people can just vote with their feet and not pay to see him any more.

Can't stand paedophilia and rape jokes. Just no need.

Think she is being a hypocrite to say that if she likes Chris Rock.

There are some things you shouldn't joke about though, apart from the sex offences mentioned - the Holocaust? 9/11? Don't think I'd see the funny side of those.

My DP and I can joke about anything (especially at our own expense) though we do tone it down in front of others who might be more emotionally fragile.