Jocelyn Chia's latest MH370 joke went viral, sparking a renewed discourse on comedy and its elusive boundary.
Controversy has a way of spreading like wildfire on social media. This time, the spotlight falls on Jocelyn Chia – a comedian whose recent performance at New York’s Comedy Cellar received intense scrutiny. You may have chanced upon her routine, which included a tactless joke about the missing Malaysia Airlines plane, MH370. Her attempt at dark humour caused an uproar in Malaysia and the backlash has been swift and resounding. Authorities want to enlist the aid of Interpol to locate her, and protesters have voiced their outrage outside the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
It’s evident she’s crossed the line of acceptable humour in the eyes of many. Naturally, she’s not the first comedian to do so. In recent years, we’ve seen a number of high-profile comedians face backlash for their jokes, including Uncle Roger (Nigel Ng), Kathy Griffin, and Dave Chappelle.
This resurfaces the age-old question: where exactly does the line in comedy lie?
Jocelyn Chia and the comedy conundrum
Before we jump into dissecting this situation, let’s take a look at the role of comedy in society. If you’ve ever been to a live comedy show, you know there’s a fine line comedians often tread between clever satire and offensive content. This usually includes jokes on race, religion, and tragedy – which might leave you wondering why we even need this kind of humour.
But comedy goes beyond throwing out a couple of mean-spirited comments for cheap laughs. It holds the potential to be a tool for social commentary, allowing comedians and audiences to explore taboo subjects and challenge societal norms in a light-hearted space.
Take, for instance, local comedian Fakkah Fuzz, who addresses racial stereotypes in his routines, sparking meaningful conversations about multiculturalism and diversity. And the legendary Kumar, whose jokes and jibes have helped encourage acceptance and understanding towards the LGBTQ+ community in Singapore over the years.
Comedy reflects societal issues, pushes boundaries, and sometimes makes us squirm in discomfort. But it’s precisely in these uncomfortable moments that we learn to form thoughts and opinions beyond the confines of our cosy echo chambers.
Love it or hate it, one thing is certain: comedy can be a catalyst for social change.
Navigating empathy in comedy
Comedy is a means to help us find solace in hard-hitting issues through shared laughter. So where did Jocelyn Chia go wrong?
Perhaps it’s because her jab about MH370 didn’t just rub salt into wounds (like most dark jokes do). It made light of a terrible tragedy that resulted in the loss of innocent lives – one that a nation of people, and loved ones of the deceased, are naturally still grieving. It’s not hard to understand why such a topic would hit a nerve, stirring up emotions of anger, hurt, and disgust.
Her intentions may be rooted in the belief that it was merely a joke. However, the art of comedy relies on a delicate balance between the comedian and their audience. If a joke falls flat and fails to be perceived as humour, there should be some level of accountability for the hurt caused.
We’re not saying go all out with an inauthentic apology. But, when confronted with negative reception, perhaps a good comedian needs to exhibit a little empathy. Jocelyn’s unwavering defence of her routine and her failure to acknowledge the pain she caused only exacerbated the distress.
The ever-evolving line of comedy
Before we rush to crucify her, it’s important to recognise the challenging nature of a comedian’s job. They’re constantly treading the elusive line in comedy – if it even exists. Humour, being highly subjective, varies from person to person. This is a formidable challenge in itself. As if that’s not enough, societal standards of what’s considered acceptable or offensive are in a constant state of flux.
Look at comedy films from the early 2000s, for example. White Chicks by the Wayans brothers was a commercial success back then, but its jokes won’t fly in today’s climate. Humour that was deemed amusing just a decade ago now requires more thoughtful consideration. Considering the rapid pace of change, it’s not surprising that even the best comedians can stumble and make mistakes.
More recently, Jack Neo’s 2022 movie Ah Girls Go Army encountered backlash due to the name of a character, Amanda Man (portrayed by transgender actress Kelly Kimberly). It was perceived as mocking the trans community and the director eventually changed the name.
Demanding accountability is important. But it’s equally important for the audience to approach these situations with understanding and allow room to learn and grow.
Creating space for open dialogue
Critics often raise the question: can we establish boundaries without stifling comedic expression? After all, jokes are subjective, and it’s impossible to please everyone. Perhaps, instead of fixating on a definitive line, we should open up a space for dialogue, criticism, and growth.
Comedians deserve the freedom to explore a wide range of topics in their material. And audiences deserve the freedom to express their perspectives on the impact of those jokes. Comedy is a shared experience – an exchange of laughter and understanding. If a joke causes harm or distress, it’s only natural for individuals to voice their concerns.
However, rather than seeking to destroy a comedian’s life and livelihood over a misstep, let’s advocate for healthier ways to express opinions through constructive conversations. Just like any artist or performer, comedians should approach criticism with an open mind. That means considering if there’s truth in the feedback and whether their comedic approaches should be adjusted.
This can cultivate a space for comedy to thrive while holding comedians accountable for the consequences. And those who choose the path of boundary-pushing humour, like Jocelyn Chia, will recognise that it entails the inherent risk of them becoming the target of their own punchlines.