Why can’t comedy be offensive? Comedy is there to break taboos and convers issues that are not usually discussed. Stand-up comedy is there to break the norms and question any social and political issues and not pussy foot around them. Comedy is directed at the immediate and intended audience and should only worry about whether they are going too far for those beyond the immediate and intended. Many times comedians use honesty to express opinions and if the joke is deemed offensive then that is the fucking point. A comedian would not say an offensive joke if you was not offended by it. Although offensive and taboo comedy is at the forefront of stand-up many people see certain subjects pushing the boat out too far. In a recent article by Dean Watson, Watson talks about clean comedy. ‘Clean comedy is what most audiences want’(Watson, 2014). Are audiences really looking for clean comedy? Personally I don’t feel that a true comedian, an honest comedian would choose not to swear and not express opinions about taboo issues. Watson believes that being a clean comic would make you stand out amongst many other comedians. Watson continues to explain his everyday language and how swearing is not a part of it. ‘The closest I get to a swear word in everyday life is “fiddlesticks”. I realized that to start swearing on stage, no matter how insecure I was, would be a lie’(Watson, 2014). By Watson telling other comedians to clean up their act in a sense is expecting them to be someone they aren’t on stage and therefore they would be lying to the audience. This is a clear contradiction on Watson’s part. Tit. I have no doubt that there are comedians around that include swearing in there act not because that is their day to day language but to enhance certain points. The comedic industry like any other industry is driven by money. ‘A lot of hungry comedians complain that there’s no money in comedy. Why not try being funny clean?’ (Watson, 2014). I’m no comedian but I’m pretty sure the comedians Watson is trying referring to aren’t bothered about earning lots of money and don’t want their own TV show where they can talk about funny things dogs do and awkward situations at work. The raw, honest comedians want to talk about issues that can’t be talked about on TV and on the radio but in a dingy, scatty working men’s club full of fat bastard drinking real ale. ‘Appealing to this audience might help a comedian make money, but does it advance the art form? F%&$ no.’ (Platt, 2014). Many comedians aim to push the boat out of what is and isn’t acceptable to talk about, and in some respect talking about taboo issues in an attempt to create changes. Audience members who will be offended by the crude language spoken by comedian are undoubtedly likely to be offended by taboo issues. In some respects you could say that a difference in class is also at the centre of acceptance of swearing and taboo subjects. Comedy transgresses a taboo beyond the play frame, and that will never go away because there will always be both, prudery and a desire to puncture that prudery. Personally I believe comedy is needed when there is a sense of complacency or when a topic has been avoided for such a long time. 9/11 humour is a perfect example of a taboo subject that was avoided but is now commonplace in many stand –up routines. U