Comedy: Stand-Up, Improv, Sketch, Podcasts • Page 171

No awareness of the difference between gender and sexuality was present in what I saw. Yes, Louis the performer inhabits characters all the time, often intentionally offensively. But Louis the author always brings an outside awareness with it. I didn't see that in this particular bit. I think he missed on this one joke. Is he infallible? I have one critique of the guy's entire hour, where I think he misfired.

 

Yeah, I get your point. Let's just agree to disagree then, because I was completely aware of this difference on transgender people and was still able to get a good laugh out of the punchline.

 

There are plenty of people who aren't seeking an education on trans lives (or other issues) and are informed by pop culture. They might have the misconception that a man who transitions to a woman now is attracted to men, which is a common misconception about trans people. Louis didn't challenge that or bring any awareness into his bit that that is not the case. So some passive listener just absorbs that and has their incorrect assumption reinforced and made stronger. I don't think that's an unreasonable scenario.

 

generally speaking Louie, I'd put Patton in there, but sometimes they can be problematic, like remember when he said the n word

 

I can't imagine how he would have added some sort of addendum at the end of the joke though -- then again, I can't imagine how he would have wrote the joke in the first place. I'm not creative enough for that. Would the right move then be to just remove the joke entirely? Part of me thinks it's not his responsibility to make sure no one is getting the wrong idea, but I think you're right -- that's an ignorant outlook to have. Thinking about the implications of what we're saying is important. At what point does one, though, does one ignore those implications in order to tell a funny joke?

 

If the joke is about him having a very reductive, masculine response to the situation, one line saying he recognizes that gender identity and sexuality aren't even the same thing, before doubling down on the reductive, masculine character/reaction, that would have been completely fine. Maybe have worked even better.

I was mistaken earlier though, he does use her dead name, and generally that is a damaging and violent way to talk about trans people. Her name wasn't integral to the bit, he should've probably cut that.

 

Nah the use of "Jeff" is just another part of the switch in emotional reaction, which is the entire point of the joke. The basis for the switch isn't particularly logical but once you get past that, it's justifiable. The whole "fuck you and your journey!" is where the laugh is.

 

He was cursing her past self. It's expected to call people by the thing they don't want to be called when you're cursing someone.

 

Since we're discussing the topic, Vulture posted a very interesting article on this matter earlier today:

Why Louis C.K.’s Trans Joke Is Better Than Dave Chappelle’s

 

Totally off topic but do y'all remember when Patton freaked out on on that kid who brought a clock to school?

 

yes

 

I guess my point is that if you see his intentions, and then look further into these "implications", then you're looking too far, because in the end, he wants laughs and to start conversation...and he succeeded in both.

 

iconic

 

Aparna was wonderful! Definitely go see her
One of the local girls they had open, Cheryl Hann, I definitely recommend looking her up cause she is hilarious. She opened for Kinane when I saw him in the fall as well.


I really hope that all of the great comedians that have been coming to Halifax lately will tell all their friends so we continue to get awesome comedians to come here

 

I'm looking at the structure of what he said and why it doesn't land for me. Intentions are different than result. I don't have a problem with the joke on premise, but in execution.

I'm willing to bet this was not a conversation that crossed his mind at all, based on the way his joke was constructed and performed. But that's just speculation.

 

In the end, from 1-10, how much did his new special score with you?

 

I dunno. I liked it, like I like every Louis special I've watched. He's brilliant at what he does. 8.5 out of 10, I guess. Maybe 9.

 

I've always found this special far more thought provoking than problematic but I'm sure most would disagree with me

 

Yas

 

pugs is directing movies now? oh great

 

Louis going straight into abortion at the beginning was definitely a subtle nod to George Carlin doing the same, right?

Also the bit about teachers had me crying.

"Who are these children?"
"Just...whatever kids live near the building."

 

they're good directors Alex

 

Can't wait to watch the new Louie, I saw him early on during that tour and it was hilarious so I can't wait to see how it's changed