(9/40)

Though you should avoid 'punching down' in your stand-up acts, being too kind or safe will not garner you many laughs. Humor is about the unexpected. That's surprising. It's ironic. It is about demonstrating the disparity between our expectations and reality. Arguably, nothing should be holy. Censorship is the enemy.

Often, the funniest jokes involve (gently) mocking oneself, another person, or social conventions. That is the cost of admittance! However, shallow, dumb comedy cannot be used without caution. The jokes must be smart; else, being edgy for the purpose of cheap shock value may get you in hot water.