Essay Sample about The Influence Of Political Correctness On Stand Up Comedy

Modernly, it is unacceptable for comedians to deliver politically incorrect jokes because society has censored acts that satirise disadvantages or controversial events within society. Previously politically incorrect jokes could draw a laugh because there was an undisclosed element of truth behind them. However, the fear of judgement has threatened political incorrectness. Although comedians intend to entertain, society's perception of humour has altered within the comedic industry because the mockery of politically incorrect issues can offend. In theory, the concept of political correctness is a good idea, intending to eliminate offensive behaviours; however, it implies that offence is objective when there is no method of determination. Comedians cannot cater to all audiences because the perception of offence and political correctness is subjective to individuals.

Human beings possess intrinsic values that govern reasoning and behaviour: cognitive capacities and internal psychological processes are unique to individuals, resulting in different interpretations and reflections. Because these processes are individual, perceptions of humour, political correctness, and reasoning differ. The adherence to political correctness is justifiable within the complexity of each human mind. Therefore, offence is personalised to every individual; thus, there is no real way to determine whether or not something is offensive. When individuals take offence, their interpretation is based only on their perceptions. 

Preeminent comedian Ricky Gervais bases his stand-up acts around politically incorrect issues. Gervais's Golden Globes performances included jokes about cancer, the Holocaust, sexual assault, and AIDS, to name a few. "I can't find someone funny whom I don't like. Hitler told great jokes." Gervais's controversial joke was labelled 'politically incorrect and offensive' because it mocked a tragic piece of history. Such claims are conflicting between individuals because differing intrinsic processes govern thoughts that justify whether or not a statement is offensive; therefore, offence is subject to individuals. What one might consider humorous, one could consider offensive.

If you're the oppressor, you don't get to use the language of the oppressed, but why has society constructed this unofficial rule? Stand-up comedy allows comedians to refine the art of expression and experimentation in front of a live audience; controversial satirised topics conclude with the act. However, recordings and posts surface on social media platforms in a modern world, fuelling debates of what is incorrect and offensive, often from people who did not attend the event. Ultimately, offence and political correctness have no measure because they are mere perceptions subjective to individuals.