Please explain

You're wrong if you think that labeling something as "hipster racism" is declaring certain topics to be off-limit.

Racism is more than animus towards those of another race. Hipster racism is a form of racism by those who think that what they do and say can't possibly be racist, since they don't hate black people and often because they identify with the sort of hipster-ish social liberalism that says that racism is wrong. And if they get called out on their racism, they insist that it was a joke or came from some other "good" place and those who are offended are over-reaction.

If you understand that what you are saying is offensive and that those who are being offended are not over-reacting, but you can still find legitimate reasons for saying what you want to say, then maybe you are avoiding hipster racism. That it makes you laugh is not a sufficient reason; there has to be more to than that.

Heh, I only recognized Jeselnik's name from having appeared on a few roasts years ago, and most of the jokes directed his way (IIRC) were basically "who are you again?"

I simply disagree. That it makes people laugh is the reason. That others object I get. But the art is the laughter. I frankly don't care if it's at the expense of something else. At the end of the day anything that's not Seinfeldian observational humor is typically at the expense of something or someone. I really don't care if there are now groups (of any kind) saying "our feelings!". Don't come to the show the next time. You'll never find an easier solution. You have the freedom to not spend your money or time on that comic. That's the best part of democracy.

Hit topics typically are about the lowest hanging fruit, don't have much staying power, and it's kind of gimmicky.

Rafiki, I tend to agree with you in certain situations, but it sounds like you are describing a radio show and not stand up comedy. It's supposed to be entertainment that everyone in attendance can enjoy. Why would you want to say something just to say it on stage? The reason self deprecating humor works is because everyone in the audience can see their own flaws within them, but they are all laughing at the comedian instead of being laughed at themselves. I can't wrap my brain around wanting to say something intentionally controversial just to say it. What would be the reason?

I think an underrated one is Aries Spears (from MadTV).

Eliott Chang is also pretty funny, lol.

Before I even start down this path, are you familiar with Lenny Bruce?

Very, but I don't think his act would be as groundbreaking as it was when he was doing it. It would just be a guy saying the n word a million times.

jeselnik has put 3 great specials out since 2010. seinfeld has been pretty much touring the same material for decades.

the whole seinfeld not playing at colleges thing is just bizarre anyway. his material wouldn't offend a grandmother.

I personally don't think Bruce was being a hipster racist when he asks are there any n****** here tonight?

I think that offensive humor has a huge role to play going forward. People are way too sensitive and hide from the truth behind their sensitivities. The current PC trend won't last. It's just ebb'n.

Both Seinfeld and Jesselnik can only play in one key.

I liked "Uber pilot"

Just watched the Judd Apatow special. It was OK, there were a few funny moments, but there is a reason he hasn't done stand up in 20 years.

Yeah, I liked the part where he got the four guys in the crowd to stand up, but I always wonder if they were seated there on purpose.

I think that bit probably worked everywhere he did a show.

Switching gears - if any of you skipped Brian Posehn's last two specials, you've done yourself a disservice.

Can we also discuss comedians that we strongly dislike in this thread?

Whitney Cummings. She is awful.

I just watched Jerry Seinfelds special where he returned to the very first joint he ever did a routine in. It was great. He told some of the first jokes he had ever written(which can be found on youtube) and crushes it. Its also party autobiographical as he recalls moments in his career. Very entertaining if you like Seinfeld. **** out of 5. I think I watched on Netflix.

Netflix announced that on New Year's eve they are releasing 2 specials by Dave Chapelle, not just one. The just announced 2nd hour was filmed at the Comedy Store in front of just 50 people.

http://theinterrobang.com/surprise-n...pelle-special/

That Seinfeld thing was ok.

Chappelle's last specials weren't so hot. I think he peaked with For What It's Worth.

Watched Aries Spears on YouTube the other day first time I have seen his stuff thought he was good. I'm kinda a corny guy though so might not be for everyone.

Also thought he didn't steal jokes but I couldn't help notice that a lot of his ideas for jokes copy Richard Pryor's best stuff although the narrative is different. His impressions are pretty good too.

Jay Pharoah's impressions are on point.

https://youtu.be/Kr-iXEy8u1k

It's really not fair how good he is with voices. His mannerism's are pretty spot on too, but it's the sound of the voices, god damn.