How Far is Too Far in Comedy

Comedian, Billy Connolly, website, is being chided for making a remark about a British civillian who was at the time being held by terrorists in Iraq. His remark was, according to reports, “Don’t you wish they would just get on with it?” The next day, Ken Bigley was dead.

I haven't heard the rest of the dialogue so I won't make any judgements on his comment, yet. Instead I want to take a moment to talk about limits in comedy.

I am completely a free-speech person. You have the right to say anything. I have the right to not listen. I should never be forced to hear your diatribe if I don't want to. That is why you cannot play your stereo so loud it shakes my fillings loose. You also don't yell, "FIRE!" in a crowded theater.

If you, as a listener don't want to hear this type of dialogue, you as a paying customer vote by not paying to hear this kind of performance. It happened when Linda Ronstadt promoted Michael Moore...people walked out and asked for their money back. I have done the same after seeing a couple movies that offended me greatly. Remember, though, that the theater reserves the right to refuse to refund your money, in which case, you have the right to go to another theater. Once people start using their freedom of speech to ask for their money back, entertainers will have two choices. 1. Curb the speech, or, 2. get on a soapbox and say it for free.

As a performer, you need to be your own guide. The basic attitude of, "If you don't like what I am saying, SCREW YOU!" isn't very smart. You may get away with it in the short term, but you may soon find yourself wondering why the show was not sold out. Then, wondering why you are playing county fairs. Then, wondering why your agent isn't returning your calls.

Before opening your mouth, you must think through what your priorities are. Is making a point more important than making money? Will what I say cause people to feel similar to me, or alienate me?

Here are some of the topics I have questioned whether to perform:
Fundamental Christianity
Homosexuality
Conservatism
Liberalism
and more...

I have pushed a little. I have put in pro-Bush remarks in my set. I have made jabs at Kerry.

Each joke I write for my stand up set, I ask, "Will it work?"