I think that all of us can appreciate a good comedy routine. Especially in the days that we are living in, we need to laugh every once in a while.
There are times when a comedian can make us laugh and it seems as if the jokes just keep coming. At other times, however, they may fall short of the mark.
Recently, a comedian named Jimmy Carr who is known for being rather provocative in his humor outraged the audience after telling a ‘vile’ joke. The joke targeted a member of the audience who was deaf and people were angry.
One woman in attendance even said that the comedian was using his platform to demean individuals who have challenges.
Carr was warming up in a show for his upcoming tour when he made comments directed at a 44-year-old deaf woman, Carly Ahlen. She was seated in the front row at the Orchard West Theater in Kent, England.
Ahlen said that it all started when Carr asked her why she was wearing a beret. She said: “I used my right hand to lift my beret, exposing my hearing aid. I hoped he was at least a decent guy and would move on, knowing I was deaf.
“It didn’t work. It had the opposite effect as I was like a sitting deaf duck now.”
Ahlen was using a transcription app to follow the jokes as the show continued. He just wouldn’t leave it alone and asked if she was calling for reinforcements from the French Resistance.
He then took things a step further saying: “You can say anything about deaf people because they can’t hear you.”
Ahlen was understandably upset, saying: “I was shocked — this isn’t comedy. Comedy is an amazing tool for progressive change, yet Jimmy decided to use his platform to put down those who have a tough life.
“There’s a joke, and then there’s absolutely insulting. It’s vile to the deaf community. It’s just not acceptable.”
She also said that she had struggled with feelings of shame and misery because of the social attitudes associated with hearing loss.
It seems as if Carr just continues to be more and more controversial with his choice of humor. At times, people may praise him because he can be funny but others are critical because he uses boundaries to shock people.
