Should Comedians Be Held Accountable For The Things That They Say?

[Seil]

Right now, as far as comedians go, we have a bit of a double standard. If we were to say something like "You can't be racist anymore," Chris Rock and Russell Peters would have to throw out their acts. If we were to say "You can't talk about homosexuality. People might get offended." Then Ellen and Elvira Kurt will stick to daytime TV and CBC radio.

As a society, I think we're becoming too safe - it's not "what offends people," it's "what might offend people." And people are getting offended over everything these days - I've had arguments with people who believe that the original Cookie Monster was destroying the youth of today. That clerks should be required to tell customers that their coffee is hot. The things we're upset about today are just so... ludicrous that they shouldn't even be brought out into the open. Then why do we laugh at comedians?

I've heard a comedian say "We can get away with saying stuff like... If you heard someone say what I'm saying in a parking lot somewhere, you'd sock him one." Comedians like Christopher Titus have their opinions. The argument to be made for stand-ups is that it's all done for comic effect. But at the other end of the spectrum, you've got Michael Richards. So where's the in between?

I want to draw attention to Guy Earle. Guy Earle is in trouble for some recent comments while he was on stage. First hearing about this on Tuesday's CBC podcast, he makes his argument in a debate with a fellow lesbian comedian and a lawyer. His argument doesn't consist of anything resembling what we've condemned Michael Richards for, but that there was a gay couple who were exceedingly rude during his performance, chatting, heckling, flipping him the bird...

Now, I'm of the opinion that if you go see a show, you pay your however much money it is to get in, sit down and enjoy the show. Or not enjoy the show. Whatever. But don't be rude to everyone around you, and for God's sake, don't be rude to the performers! There is a long list of performers getting agitated over audience members. There's been performers in the middle of a play who've waited for an audience member to finish their cell phone conversation. The whole point here is what is acceptable in the theater/club - not just for the performer, but the audience as well.

We should all be held accountable for our actions, but where do we draw the line?