Can a comedian make a racially insensitive joke and get away with it online? Apparently not. Stephen Colbert is the focus of a Twitter campaign to cancel his TV satire show for offending Asian Americans. Colbert has fired back and made a joke of the joke. A satirist can sometimes do that. Anyone else would be the target of the “PC police.” It is nearly impossible for anyone working in public relations to engage in satire. That’s because we are conditioned to take individuals and companies at face value. Today is April 1, the traditional time for practical jokes and pranks. It is interesting that those who launch one are often believed, even when what they say or do is outrageous. Satire is best left to comedians, but even they can get into trouble.
Marston Strategic Communications
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