Do you think anyone bothered to look up the word 'feckless' ? Or did they all just lose their collective mind (not plural-just the one), over the use of "cunt" ?

Vulgarity is subjective.
Racism isn't funny.
Calling a feckless cunt out on her tone-deafness is.

Comedians are often vulgar because life is so vulgar. We laugh at comedians because they are often saying the stuff we couldn't put language to.

And they can say anything they want- from apes to zebras. There are consequences to behaviors and a comedian is no exception.

My concern isn't the language used (well never mind, it is) but it's the ethics and justification behind it. Say it, own it, and suck it up if it gets you in trouble.

Yes

Comedians tools are words. No words should be off limits

I think part of a comedians job is to make us a little bit uncomfortable sometimes and to point out some of our hypocrisy

Yes, if that vulgarity has a point. Look at the genuis of Richard Prior and Eddie Murphy. Both masters of comedy.

Their job is to be funny, by whatever means they see fit. Often times comedians are the only ones that can speak offensive truths. Anytime you start asking questions other then was it funny or not you are losing the whole point.

Comedians walk a fine line. They're supposed to. And sometimes they step over it.

I think that humor can be found in any situation. I think that the gallows humor I partook in while in the army is a good personal testament to that. Check out Doug Stanhope talking about his mothers assisted suicide. On the surface the topic could seem too serious to joke about, but give it a listen...its hilarious!

Depending on the audience. Stand up comics more so starting with Lenny Bruce and George Carlin started it all.

Comedy isn't comedy if it offends no one.

Yes, and I enjoy it!

Richard Pryor, Chelsea Handler, Bill Maher, Lewis Black, Wanda Sykes, Red Foxx,

yes it is the best comics are the ones who aren't affraid to cross that line Lenny Bruce was arrested multiple times for being "blue" and George Carlin made a career out of it

I think its a comedians job to make you squirm a little.....poke fun at things that are considered off limits for the most part. Having said that - vulgarity may be appropriate at times - but I've watched a number of the comedy shows on HBO channels and sometimes it seems as though they use (and over use) vulgarity in totally inappropriate ways. People like Bill Maher seems to have figured out how to zigzag in and around that line to keep you laughing without feeling embarrassed.

Yes sometimes

Humour is good for us. Good comedy often challenges stereotypes; also good for us. Don't know that it HAS to vulgar, but I surely don't mind it when it is...

The comedian's job is to stretch the envelope of social intercourse, to test the waters of the forbidden, and to light fires under the seats of power. To poke fun at me and you. To poke fun at themselves. To scratch the underbelly of society. That they can do this while applying humor to the awkward is one of the crowning achievements of the human endeavor. They walk a narrow ridge line with sheer cliffs on either side, because society is made up of all sorts who take umbrage at the oddest things. Prudes. Religious nuts. Political wingdings. An array of hot buttons that makes the nuclear arsenal look like wet fireworks. Are there lines that should not be crossed? Sure, but I suspect that the lines are probably damned hard to see sometimes.

Totally agree with all the others. We are in a weird time in society, where mixed messages are being sent about what's "ok" and not. It's all jumbled up, and I have a feeling it's because of generational differences, a loss of appreciation for recent history, and how the internet has changed us and the minds of those who know nothing else. Some feel it's not ok to have their faults pointed out, at all...everyone gets a trophy. Is it ok for a comedian to cut someone down? I can't imagine a proper roast these days. Chapelle quit. Hell... I can't even imagine Amy Schumer style comedy coming out right now. The question is...will it ever be "ok" again, to be raunchy, abrasive, and obnoxiously outspoken? It feels opressive to think that this raunch is currently being silenced...which leads to questions like this! Sadly, what you ask is: is free speech still acceptable? And the reason we ask is that some people have made it clear that their answer is "no"...at present. ???

All comedians have a style that defines them. Some uses vulgarity to define their comedy style.

Yes. If it was always between the lines it wouldn’t be funny.

As far as I could remember, sneaking listening to Moms Mabley, Red Foxx, Dolemite, Richard Pryor, George Carlin there was a bit of risque in their antics. They said things that others were afraid to say, and addressed uncomfortable topics....The comedians today can't hold a flame to the legends...so I listen selectively...

It is a comedians job to push the boundaries and mock the ridiculous nature of our existence ( which doesn't sound very funny, but i'm not a comedian ?). Vulgarity for the sake of vulgarity is cheap humour.

It is vulgarity job to be funny at times?