In response to - http://www.buzzfeed.com/manasap/response-to-aib-knockout-the-roast-of-arjun-kapo-zgg0?fb_action_ids=10155173412455305&fb_action_types=og.shares
If you have ever wondered what exactly a 'waste of space' is, you will do well to refer to the aforementioned article. Decrying the statements made in a comic routine does not contribute in the least towards addressing issues. As per a certain famed neurologist, 'Humor is derived from deflating a tense situation.' The only reason we end up finding anything funny at all is because the end result (or the punchline) is a trivialization of something we expect to be a serious/grave issue. If this constitutes desensitization of important issues, we would be utterly boring and serious minded. If we could not find a way to see some streak of the jovial in our misery, we would be lost in a vicious cycle of sorrow leading to anger leading to defensiveness leading to self righteousness leading heroic action leading to unsatisfactory results leading, once again, to sorrow.
If AIB's humor is denigrating the hope of the multitudes, we grossly maltreat our masses by portraying a young male adult stalking an attractive female, after being repeatedly rebuffed, and finally falling in love with each other. This is offensive to both men and women, demolishing the self worth of young males and belittling the sensibilities of females; yet not a note of agitation is raised against this as it is seen as run of the mill 'bakwaas' from the entertainment industry. By following the author's train of thought, we are being atrocious and demeaning animal protection, the world over, when we watch Tom And Jerry getting trampled by pianos and burst into peals of laughter. No, it seems that as long as offensive material is well masked with bright colours, meek language and putrid cliches they can be forgiven and forgotten.
However, the author claims that while it is depressing to see developed nations being insensitive to societal issues and grave problems daunting our species, it is an acceptable state of affairs which cannot be altered. It is despicable only when citizens of a country which has been COLONIZED, TRAUMATIZED, BRUTALIZED - anything else you would like to emphasise with the use of capital letters - who constitute the grand WE this article addresses are making merry by trivializing issues we are still fighting for. I can't speak for US, but I find the hypocrisy in this statement far more alarming than the offensive jokes cracked by individuals, who pay their bills by observing every event from a humorous viewpoint.
If an individual is incapable of laughing in the face of their own sorrow, spontaneously or sardonically, she/he is incapable of fighting the issue. Indignant cries against popular media is nothing more than a means of lashing out due to one's own insecurities. If a real societal issue causes a person distress, they must find the grit and courage to engage and involve themselves in the issue; to work towards finding a solution. Stop complaining about the slackers and jokers in the team and get to work. You might not be getting help, but they aren't working against you.
Humor in the face of adversity isn't dismissal of suffering, but trivializing of troubles for those who wish to stay inside their cocoons of safety. If you feel passionately about EBOLA, RACISM, RAPE act out and be the change. Attempt to mobilize the masses to empower the cause. Stop being a sourpuss because you are enraged that a bunch of comics are finding, subjectively, humorous material from issues you don't see progress in. Activism and entertainment, in this particular context, are parallel universes.
Finally, I would like to apologise on two counts. Firstly, for preaching/sermonizing in an openly condescending tone. I did this for a reason - I find it extremely enjoyable to imitate the tone of the party I am responding to. Secondly, I apologize for not having a fat (refuse to say plump), black, gay friend. I realize the credibility of my response is completely invalid without such an individual in my life.
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