Although several comedians push the moral envelope, stand-up routines are not suppose to be taken at face value. There is an underlying message hidden behind jokes which appear to perpetuate racism.
Here we see an example of what stand-up comedy is and the results that may occur when the comedian discards his/her authorial voice and out of their persona. | Although Michael Richards did get a few laughs initially, the audiences response, including people walking out and the media coverage that ensued were a result of Kramer exiting the genre of comedy and speaking earnestly. Bill Burr takes what appears to be a similar approach to Michael Richards. Burr was greeted by an already unruly audience who did not permit him to do his routine. He had to discard his planned routine when he was only two jokes into it. The audience had already booed two other comedians off the stage, prompting Burr to improvise. After the show he had a sign and greet with the audience. The audience realized he was still behind the comedic veil and was not being literal. |