Humor Targeting Religion Essay

When it comes to the category of humor targeting religion, many would call it a taboo. Religion is already a touchy subject that walks a thin line of being considered amusing, or extremely distasteful. We’ve all been subjected to religious jokes, whether we’re the ones telling them or the ones being laughed at. Some of the greatest of all comedians – Joan Rivers, Robin Williams, Chris Rock, Conan O’Brien, Tina Fey, Chelsea Handler, have all utilized religion in their acts and used it to push boundaries in some of their most famous punch lines. Humor is a tool used to discuss, poke fun, and lift spirits about more serious topics in life. What might offend some might make another smile. Author of “On Liberty”, John Stuart Mill, makes the argument …show more content…
More or less, we would have the same type of societal issues as communist countries do if we made religious satire illegal. Not all religious jokes are meant to just be humorous; some actually bring light to inconsistencies in these religions. Some stereotypes in each religion have truths behind them, and the public having recognizing that tends to use them to spread those truths. For example, the joke “Abstinence makes the Church grow fondlers.” After endless cases of priests, pastors, and even the pope molesting children, this joke targets the terrible inconsistency that Christianity has become known to have. This might make the listener crack a smile, however then the sad issue behind the joke comes forth and brings an educational standpoint for people to beware of. Another example being: “What is the most popular Islamic show in the Middle East? Dora the Exploder!” Again, bringing light to sad situations involving the discrepancies of these religions and spreading knowledge of some of their stereotypes through