During this workshop, we discussed how social media has brought more power to the audience, or as I like to see it, how social media has allowed the audience to become Stalinists who abuse their power. It seems everyday someone is either forced to apologise or losing their job because of an innocuous comment they made that was deemed offensive by delicate snowflakes. The formula is generally: comment –> outrage –> apology/resignation/firing –> justice.

We watched The Chasers infamous ‘Make A Realistic Wish Foundation’ sketch as a case study. Because of the outrage, ABC’s Head Of Comedy (COMEDY PEOPLE, YOU KNOW, JOKES?) Amanda Duthie was fired because of her scandalous choice to air the skit. This was seven years ago, where this type of action was considered a rarity compared to today’s ultra conservative corporatised culture where everyone is a victim and justice must be served. Although, now you may not have done anything wrong for you to be in hot water, because today everyone is guilty until proven innocent.

This is an issue of free speech. It’s also an issue of the audience being unable to put things into context. The Chasers are a satirical comedy group, what do people expect? Louise mentioned that nobody will hire Ms. Duthie. This is disgraceful. I’m sick to death of people’s lives being ruined because others deem what they do “offensive”. And this is only getting worse. What’s next?