Chris Rock's Slapgate again raises the same question. What is the permissible limit of jokes at someone's expense? How far can you go? What is the fine line that lies between offensive and funny? How will you evaluate a joke?
Well, comedy or humour always comes from exaggeration, hyperbole, and connecting unexpected things with a twist. A comedian tells a joke with the intent of creating laughter. There is a target audience, and the resultant is an impact of the joke on them. The most successful jokes are the ones where the impact of the jokes matches exactly the intent of the comedian.
Sarcasm or humour is also like a non-violent weapon in the war of words. A sharp witty comment can destroy your opposition like no weapon can without shedding a drop of blood. So, according to the rules of the battlefield, you shouldn't use your weapon on a weaker one or on a person who can't retaliate. The best weapons are the ones that destroy an aggressor. Similarly, a joke should mostly be directed towards a stronger person than you. Those who are underprivileged are easy to make fun of, but that is not an ideal joke.
In the case of Chris Rock's joke on Jada, Jada was certainly not an unprivileged one. I am sure she must have received many nastier comments on social media via memes and comments. How many of those were slapped and humiliated by Will Smith? Moreover, people in public life or celebrities should have much thicker skin and more tolerant temperment than displayed by Jada and Smith.
If we evaluate Chris Rock's joke on the parameters of impact and intent, I also find it is not that bad. I could easily hear laughter from the audience, and even Will Smith was seen smiling. Something happened to him, which was triggered by the facial expressions of Jada.
Since comedy is a subjective matter, what is funny in India will not be funny in Saudi Arabia. Something American find light-hearted may offend a British national. So the above mentioned rules don't always apply. However,
even considering all the above, I feel Will Smith crossed a line and he should be punished for his deplorable act. Chris Rock's joke might have offended his wife and him, but it was certainly unintentional. Chris Rock doesn't deserve a slap in the face in front of a global audience. A mere apology from Will Smith is not enough! Atleast he should be banned from all award functions. The arrogant narcissistic behaviour by Will Smith and the humiliation suffered by Chris deserves both criminal and financial punishments.
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