Lesson 30 · The line · 6 min · Edge
Punch up, not down
Who's the target, and how much power do they have?
The big ideaEvery joke has a target. Jokes at people with more power, status or privilege than you (punching up) tend to feel brave. Jokes at people with less (punching down) feel like bullying, even when they're clever.
Watch the pro do it
Watch forGervais talks about roasting a room full of the most famous, richest people in Hollywood. Listen to how he frames it: they're the most powerful people in the room, which is exactly why he feels free to go after them.
Via The Graham Norton Show on YouTube
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