Prohibition taught us that the costs and side effects of enforcement can outweigh the cost of the misbehavior itself. Legalization of so-called "victimless" crimes is one solution. Another is the creation of red light districts, safe havens for otherwise proscribed behavior.
Comedy is a safe haven for racism, sexism, gay-bashing (non-physical), and general cultural insensitivity. Our human weakness demands that we have this outlet.
Last night's Saturday Night Live opening has it all (the topic is Jeremy Lin, naturally): Asian stereotypes and black stereotypes, all leavened with hypocritical sanctimony.
And yes, I laughed too.
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