Laughing Matters

As stand-up comics continue to push the boundaries of what can be said onstage, questions have arisen about the moral and social implications of joking about conventionally serious topics. Central to this debate is the perceived role of stand-up comedians in a society where they must often play both the philosopher and the fool. We asked stand-up comedians exactly where the line should be drawn and, just as importantly, who should hold the pen.

As stand-up comics continue to push the boundaries of what can be said onstage, questions have arisen about the moral and social implications of joking about conventionally serious topics. Central to this debate is the perceived role of stand-up comedians in a society where they must often play both the philosopher and the fool. We asked stand-up comedians exactly where the line should be drawn and, just as importantly, who should hold the pen.

As stand-up comics continue to push the boundaries of what can be said onstage, questions have arisen about the moral and social implications of joking about conventionally serious topics. Central to this debate is the perceived role of stand-up comedians in a society where they must often play both the philosopher and the fool. We asked stand-up comedians exactly where the line should be drawn and, just as importantly, who should hold the pen.