"Only uneducated fools can make jokes on prostitution."
Stand-up comedian Vidushi Swaroop faced backlash for her comments on prostitution during one of her live shows.
Footage of the segment went viral.
In the clip, Vidushi calls prostitution a “cool profession”.
She goes on to speak about the profession, pointing out what sets it apart from others.
This includes saying: “You can earn more than a CEO.”
Although it was part of her comedy routine, it did not go down well on social media, with many labelling her comments “insensitive”.
One user asked: “Where is the comedy? I didn’t feel anything other than disgust.”
Another commented: “Such a disgrace. Such a disgrace.”
Accusing the comedian of disrespecting women, a third said:
“Respect women always. This is no way to present women. Shameful act.”
Echoing the sentiments, one comment read:
“Unfortunately, some self-proclaimed stand-up comedians make comments that some find amusing, whether it’s related to religion or other sensitive topics.
“They often think they’re being funny, and the audience laughs along, considering it cool.”
Criticising audience members who laughed, one person wrote:
“Well, I’m trying to find words for the audience who are laughing.”
One added: “Only uneducated fools can make jokes on prostitution.
“If she by chance gets any chance to learn about child trafficking, human trafficking and the vicious circle of poverty she would be so so ashamed of herself.”
Poet Kumar Vishwas also expressed his disapproval, tweeting:
“In fact, this is not only absurd but also inhuman and cruel.
This insensitive joke is just a glimpse of today’s so-called stand-up presentations that constantly make fun of vulgar and cultural values.
“It is fortunate that no male presenter did this cheap thing; otherwise, all the commissions would have woken up. Shame on those who laughed.”
Nothing is more dumb than saying Prostitution is a cool profession, ask those women who are working & going through these things.
Those who are laughing & encouraging her for her idiotic stuff , pls start using your brain .— Dr Manjeet Dhiman (@DrMann1995) October 23, 2023
Although there was a lot of criticism, some people voiced their support for Vidushi Swaroop.
One netizen came to her defence and said:
“The purpose of comedy is to show the mirror to society. You shocked us and made us laugh at the same time. Well done.”
Another wrote:
“Addressing society’s issues with comedy, few can do it and you killed it.”
One person admitted Vidushi’s comments were dark comedy but said it exposed the “sad reality” of prostitution.
The user wrote: “IMO, this is dark comedy which exposes the evil of prostitution and the sad reality (Intent can only be confirmed by watching full video though).
“Nothing wrong with it if she is not justifying it or spreading misinformation.”
Vidushi posted Kumar Vishwas’ comment and addressed the situation, saying:
“This video is taken from a full YouTube video, so it does not reflect the actual perspective of the clip.
“Therefore, I have a humble request to all of you: before making your decision, please evaluate the entire video once.”
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