If you keep making jokes like that, somebody is going to shoot you, father.
– Mary Todd Lincoln, wife of assassinated US president Abraham Lincoln
THE New York Times headline read, ‘Comedian’s Malaysia Joke Prompts Threats and a Diplomatic Incident.’
But how can a joke trigger threats and a diplomatic incident?
Well, it all started when a video of a ‘joke’ by a US-born comedian, 39-year-old Jocelyn Chia, about the 2014 MH370 missing airliner was part of a comedy show in the US.
The joke was considered in bad taste when it came to light in Malaysia. The widow of an MH370 crew member also stated that it was a tasteless joke.
This joke and some other jokes about Malaysia triggered a backlash on social media by Malaysians. Much of it was directed towards Singapore as it was assumed she was Singaporean and held joint American-Singaporean citizenship.
I had never heard about her, and neither had many other Malaysians before this incident.
However, now, the name Jocelyn Chia has sparked discussions and debates across Malaysia and, quite possibly, Singapore, commanding the attention of virtually everyone.
The prevailing sentiment from the public has veered towards ridicule and animosity and has drawn extensive criticisms from citizens, celebrities, diplomats, and politicians in Malaysia, with many denouncing it as “crude” or “insulting”.
Following the controversy, it is good that TikTok took action and removed the video, citing a violation of its community guidelines and the depiction of discriminatory content.
In response to Chia’s performance, a hundred protesters from UMNO staged a demonstration outside the United States Embassy in Kuala Lumpur. Their demands included a call to ban Chia from Malaysia.
She has generated fervent discussions and drawn widespread attention, even to the extent of the Singapore High Commissioner to Malaysia apologising for Jocelyn Chia’s ‘gratuitously offensive comments’.
Even Singapore Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan stepped in and strongly condemned Chia’s joke, describing it as “horrendous”.
In the meantime, the Singapore High Commissioner to Malaysia affirmed and disclosed that Chia no longer holds Singaporean citizenship.
Chia has responded to the criticisms by stating that her jokes had been misconstrued on social media and that they should be viewed within the full context of her routine in a comedy club setting.
She further explained that roasting or playfully teasing the audience is a customary element of comedy club culture in New York, where she performs.
A few people agreed that these types of jokes were acceptable in such a setting.
However, it is essential to recognise the gravity of the MH370 tragedy as a national incident.
Regardless of the context or intent, joking about such a sensitive topic is profoundly inappropriate and can cause significant pain and anguish, particularly for those who lost loved ones and are still seeking answers.
It is crucial to show empathy and respect for grieving families and to be mindful of the lasting impact such jokes can have on their healing process.
Even today, jokes about 9/11, a national tragedy in the US, are met with gasps and boos.
It is accepted that humour and jokes have been an integral part of human culture throughout history.
Laughter and entertainment are essential in bringing people together and providing a sense of joy. Jokes can create shared experiences and foster connections between individuals and communities.
The boundary between regular and tasteless jokes can be subjective and varies from person to person, as it depends on individual sensibilities, cultural background, personal experiences, and the context in which the jokes are made.
However, some general guidelines can help distinguish between the two.
Regular jokes are typically light hearted, clever, and intended to entertain or bring humour to a situation. They often rely on wordplay, witty observations, or absurdity. They are generally well-received and can be appreciated by many people without causing offence or harm.
Tasteless jokes, on the other hand, often cross the line between what is considered appropriate and socially acceptable.
They may involve offensive or derogatory language, target sensitive topics such as race, religion, gender, or disabilities.
They may intentionally seek to hurt, demean, or belittle others.
Tasteless jokes often rely on shock value or stereotypes and can perpetuate harmful attitudes or reinforce negative biases.
It’s essential to consider the impact a joke may have on others, especially if it targets a particular group or if it could cause distress, humiliation, or marginalisation.
It is unfortunate that instead of apologising, Jocelyn has chosen to tweet the following, “I’m on the front page of BBC.com now. Interviewed by @CNN, @nytimes, @BBCWorld and going to be on @FoxNews this Sat. So actually, Malaysia, you can keep going.”
Ultimately, the line between regular and tasteless jokes is subjective, and it’s important to exercise empathy, cultural sensitivity, and respect for others when engaging in humour.
On the home front here, let us continue to laugh and sensibly joke with each other.
The views expressed here are those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent the views of New Sarawak Tribune.
