Exploring the Balance Between Humor and Sensitivity
“Jada, I love you. G.I. Jane 2, can’t wait to see it,” comedy icon Chris Rock jested at the 94th Academy Awards last month. The ensuing events became a landmark moment in pop culture when Will Smith walked up on stage and slapped Rock in front of a shocked audience. Smith later claimed he was defending his wife’s honor, but both men faced backlash, with Smith receiving a 10-year ban from the Oscars.
Since then, the incident has sparked widespread discussion, but I won’t add to the multitude of opinions already circulating. However, it presents an important opportunity to explore how comedians navigate an increasingly scrutinized landscape.
At its core, comedy appears simple: one person tells a joke, and another laughs. Yet, comedians argue that it’s anything but straightforward. Harith Iskander, widely recognized as the ‘Godfather’ of Malaysian stand-up comedy, finds the term ‘joke’ problematic. “People often think of it as making fun of a situation, but stand-up comedians don’t just tell jokes; they share ‘bits’ or social commentary.”
The Intent Behind Comedy Harith, who has been in the comedy circuit since 1990, emphasizes that effective comedy shines a light on uncomfortable truths, helping audiences gain awareness. Comedians constantly reflect on the purpose of their material: what message do they want to convey? Who or what are they critiquing? What truths are they revealing?
For Singaporean comedian Sam See, the focus is on humor itself. “My job is to create things I find funny and refine them to perfection.” As one of the few openly gay comedians in the region, he tackles queer topics to enlighten a broader audience.
Local comic Rishi Budhrani shares a similar ethos. “While some material is light-hearted, I also believe in addressing important issues,” he says, adding that a good comedian reflects the societal climate. He points out that jokes from the past, like those from Eddie Murphy in 1987, would likely be viewed differently today due to evolving social norms.
Adapting to Changing Times Navigating today’s landscape, particularly online, requires skill and a touch of luck. “You put yourself out there and hope for the best,” See explains, acknowledging that backlash is part of the profession. Budhrani has witnessed how comedians can leverage social media for growth. During the pandemic in 2020, he created ‘The Rishi Report,’ an online news show that humorously tackled current affairs and garnered substantial attention.
Comedy in the Age of Social Media Social media can amplify comedic reach but also presents risks. Harith experienced this firsthand when a joke about immigration efficiency landed him in hot water with Malaysia’s Immigration Department. “Social media often takes things out of context, and we must learn to navigate that,” he notes.
Comedians recognize the distinction between live audiences—who willingly engage—and those who encounter jokes online, where the context can be lost. The impersonal nature of social media can lead to quick judgments based on political correctness, making comedians wary of potential ‘cancellation.’
The Fear of Cancellation Comedians are acutely aware of the so-called ‘cancel culture.’ See runs a podcast called ‘Small Batch with Mr. Sam See,’ where the topic frequently arises. He notes that while the fear is palpable, few comedians have been entirely ‘canceled’ based solely on their material. “It takes more than just one joke to derail a career,” he asserts.
For Budhrani, writing jokes is a therapeutic process. “When I face loss or negativity, I channel that into humor.” He’s learned that vulnerability resonates with audiences. “They appreciate clever takes on issues, rather than low-hanging fruit punchlines.”
Reading the Room and Taking Risks Stand-up comics excel at gauging audience reactions. See highlights the unique challenge of performing in Singapore, where audiences are diverse and sometimes polarized. “You must be willing to take risks, knowing that some jokes may alienate part of your audience.”
Comedians thrive on challenges. Harith has performed for dignitaries, finding that those expected to be offended often turn out to be the biggest supporters of his humor. “When I deliver a well-structured bit, the most powerful people in the room often laugh the hardest.”
Budhrani tackles political satire with care, knowing how to navigate sensitive subjects. “I’ve performed political jokes in front of ministers, and I’ve managed to do so without facing repercussions. It’s about finding a way to express yourself within the bounds of legality and cultural sensitivities.”
The Complexity of Being Funny Despite their expertise, comedians can misjudge how jokes might resonate. See recalls his own ‘Will Smith moment’ when a man confronted him over a joke about Indian mothers. “I understood why he was upset, and I apologized. These experiences are part of the job,” he reflects.
Yet, See recognizes the importance of understanding one’s boundaries. Being funny is challenging, and creating good stand-up requires continuous effort. As societal norms shift, the line between humor and offense blurs, leading comedians to question if their material will land as intended.
