Watch: Comedian Jim Norton and Jezebel’s Lindy West Debate the Ethics of Rape Jokes on ‘Totally Biased’
FX’s late night series “Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell” has been finding a rhythm for itself with topical jokes and interesting interview choices that aren’t afraid to venture into politics and race. The show returned from hiatus earlier this month and last night offered up one of its most interesting segments yet by inviting comedian Jim Norton and Jezebel staff writer Lindy West to debate a subject that’s been a favorite of media discussions lately — what things are off limits when it comes to comedy and, specifically, the ethics of rape jokes.
Only five minutes of the “first edition of comic versus feminist” conversation made it into the show, but FX has posted the full version online, and you can watch it below. It’s a civil debate that’s worth a look — unlike the comments on the video on YouTube, which are even uglier than normal, and all about West’s weight and attractiveness. They end up feeling like they make her argument about how comedy clubs can be a hostile place for women for her.
