No Holds Barred? America Draws the Boundaries in Comedy!

The survey data reveals a clear tension between free speech in comedy and audience sensitivity. While certain topics like politics (95%) and gender (87%) are considered fair game for jokes, others, particularly mental health (38%) and disability (21%), are deemed off-limits. There seems to be an appetite for comedians who can be edgy and funny without resorting to cruelty. Striking the right balance is crucial. Humor that transcends cultural barriers can be successful even when tackling sensitive topics.

Audiences seem to appreciate comedians who can be funny and thought-provoking without resorting to cheap shots or punching down. Finding the humor in sensitive topics is an art, and successful comedians understand their audience and where the line lies between edgy and offensive.

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