How to tell good jokes about trans people
Make ‘em good jokes with a legit turn instead of the same ol’ same ol’ pronoun/”identify” lines we’ve all heard before.
Over at the Rubesletter (my other newsletter):
Excerpt:
There can be funny jokes about trans people because there can be funny jokes about anyone. And while that’s true, it’s also true that comics who tell lazy punchlines that could have been tweeted by Ted Cruz should think twice before they start kvetching about how lame people are because they don’t laugh at ‘em. Sometimes it’s not that you’re being cancelled, it’s just that your jokes aren’t funny.
We can want to protect trans people from harm while also recognizing how precious, easily-offended, and elitist many of their defenders seem. Likewise, Hollywood celebs may argue for noble causes, but they also deserve to get roasted by the South Park guys for being out-of-touch dilettantes (See: Team America).
Just make it funny.
Similarly, transgender writer Parker Malloy argues there’s a difference between good and bad jokes about trans people.
Comedians should tell their jokes, even if they offend people. Absolutely. But actually put some thought into the jokes! Make them original! Make them unique! If your trans jokes are all variations on “They’re deceptive! They’re crazy! They’re disgusting!” and you’re forgetting to insert the actual joke, then maybe this is about something deeper than being an “equal opportunity offender” and part of some twisted personal grudge you have.
Read the full piece here: Did Dave Chappelle and Ricky Gervais really sink to new depths?