Louis CK is getting blasted from conservatives for his bit on child molestation. Yes, it’s a terrible thing. So is suicide, murder, war, rape and many other things. Can we still joke about them? Yes. Period.
There is such a thing as concept humor. His premise made me laugh out loud, even while I felt uncomfortable about the subject. Sorry, but I’m one of those who believes absolutely NOTHING should be immune from humor treatment.
I was a member of a group running a humor mag in the late ’90s to mid ’00s and we did some 9/11 humor, not at the victims expense, but humor all the same and we got blasted. I didn’t give a shit. More people need to not give a shit about offending people. The commentators here are almost 100% of the opinion he went too far: well, who the hell says your sensibilities are the ones which MUST be respected?
I bet you lot are the same ones who think feminists are over sensitive with their trigger warnings and safe spaces and off-limits humor on trans or gays or women in general. Newsflash: THIS IS NO DIFFERENT! You are imposing your sensitivities on someone else, and it’s just as bad as the precious snowflakes who can’t handle Greek myths because they contain rape and oppression of women.
No one’s sensitivities should preclude free expression. Period. And that include child molestation. He’s not singling out an individual, or making fun of victims, he’s doing concept humor. I give the guy a lot of credit. He’s doing the same work Pam Geller is doing: offensive speech must be protected, so push the boundries, don’t self-censor and to hell with those who are “offended”. Don’t watch the show then. But spare me your self-righteous moral high-horse riding because you know what? Fuck you. I don’t have to share your sensitivities, and I was entertained, and I thought it was funny.
Good on ya, Lewis CK. Just don’t actually harm any kids, ok?