Journey of a Joke: Begins with a general observation. Then, the comedian adds a bit of spice to it. Now, the joke is ready for a test drive. But the problem is it is presented to subjective opinions.
After the joke travels through the audience, the primary indicator of its successful run is receiving the expected reactions. If not, the joke is either a failure or becomes a scandal.
One of the most popular subsets of comedy is pushing people off the edge. These edge lords, especially male comics, use this trope to ignite a sudden reaction in the audience.
If done right, the edgy jokes can be pretty entertaining and intellectual. But one wrong misstep or ill-timing can change the discourse of the joke.
In conclusion: The subject, timing, delivery, audience, and reputation of the comedian collectively decide whether the joke will land as intended. Yes, this is gig is hard!
The following case challenges the fine line between offense and perception.
On November 15, 2023, Matt Rife, who rose to fame through TikTok, premiered his Netflix comedy special ‘Natural Selection.’ The set contained a domestic violence joke. He clarifies during the set that he was “testing the waters” with the joke, determining whether the audience is game.
Netizens took offense to the joke. Rife posted a parody apology by attaching a link that redirects people to a website that sells helmets for special needs. The implication was that people having problems with his jokes are mentally incapable.
What Is The Controversy With Matt Rife’s Domestic Violence Joke?
‘Natural Selection’ is Matt Rife’s next significant milestone after reigning the comedy scene last year. Rife’s humble rise to fame started unexpectedly on TikTok.
The 28-year-old comedian blew up on TikTok after sharing clips of his comedy set. Soon, he amassed a considerable following, predominantly women.
That is also because Mr. Rife is an enigma when it comes to comedians. The Chad-looking comic has defied the standard male comic persona of funny-looking men.
Recently, Matt RIe’s target audience has slightly shifted after the comedian changed his set to more provocative jokes. One such demonstration can be observed in his recent Netflix special.
Here are the key takeaways from his joke–
- Matt Rife narrates a basic anecdote when he visited a “ratchet,” “hood.” Baltimore restaurant with his friend.
- Both observe a visibly evident “black eye” on the waitress who served them.
- The friend states that she should have been stationed in the kitchen rather than greeting and serving the customers.
- Rife quips on his “kitchen” statement, saying, “Yeah, but I feel like if she could cook, she wouldn’t have that black eye.”
- After getting considerable laughs on the joke, timing, and delivery, Rife tells the audience that he is “just testing the waters, seeing if y’all are gonna be fun or not.”
“I figure if we start the show with domestic violence the rest of the show should be smooth sailing.”
- Some people took offense, considering Rife took a jab at the expense of rampant violence against women.
Matt Rife’s “Apology” To His Domestic Violence Joke
Netizens flocked to X to pour criticism against the comedian for making light of such a severe issue as domestic violence.
Matt Rife did address the backlash….albeit in his own style. Rife posted a story on his Instagram that read–
“If you’ve ever been offended by a joke I’ve told, here’s a link to my official apology.”
And everyone who tapped the link has been trolled worse than being “Rick Rolled.”
The link redirected to a website that sells helmets for people with special needs.
This implied that whoever loses their marbles over a joke needs medical help. It seems that Rife clearly intended a hand at dark comedy, knowing well that violence against women is a grave issue.
What is your take on this whole fiasco? Do you think this is a case of making a mountain out of a molehill?
Do you believe that the joke was offensive to the victims of domestic violence? Let us know in the comments section below.
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