This is a big topic for entertainment that is often heavily discussed in the mainstream media. As comedians on TV, from Frankie Boyle to Jimmy Carr, begin to push the boundaries of taste and decency, their jokes are veering into topics that many believe should not be leavened by humour in any way. Recently, US comedian Daniel Tosh got into an awful lot of trouble when he responded to a heckler with a comment that seemed to condone rape. Increasingly, these jokes are moving out of dingy comedy clubs and into the mainstream consciousness, which has made the debate a huge deal online. Some argue that the status of rape as one of the most awful things that can happen to a human being excludes it from the toolkit of the stand-up comic. However, others believe that free speech takes precedence and that making light of horrifying things to highlight just how bad they are is important for comedy. Both sides debate their position fiercely and the debate is emotive enough that it can cause really heated discussions.
Freelance film journalist and fan of professional wrestling. Usually found in a darkened screening room looking for an aisle seat and telling people to put away their mobile phones. Also known to do a bit of stand-up comedy, so I'm used to the occasional heckle.
