Filed Under Stand-Up Comedy
Whistle is Such a Taboo Word
Comedian Todd Levin recounted a recent appearance where a single joke of his featuring a rape whistle met with audience disapproval. Particularly vexing is that the audience seemed to focus on one word instead of the context. The joke (not stealing, just quoting):
“My mother has always been a scared and cautious woman. For instance, she was in her high school marching band – she played the rape whistle.”
Todd goes on to state that though he hates comics who defend their material, he actually chastised the audience for not enjoying the joke. I think Todd’s distaste for defending his joke is natural, considering most comics misuse it to justify hack material or disturbing exaggerations that lack any wit. But in this case, the bit is pretty clever and the joke isn’t about rape, it’s about fear. I’m glad Todd did it. Though laying into the crowd only rooted one clap from the back of the room, I think sometimes comics need to remind audience to listen with more than their ears.
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I got it, I laughed. Great bit, but if an audience doesn’t bite for something, it doesn’t mean the bit sucked. Don’t defend the bit, but make a crack from the hip, literally if you need to, break the flow, and move on. “So your mothers aren’t afraid of getting raped?” It’s frustrating, but you gain nothing from defending or explaining a joke. Ever. Return the volley and move on. Lose it now, use it again.