When it comes to stand-up comedy, there is no topic off limits. Comedy is a great way to share viewpoints on a variety of different social and political issues. So obviously, there's plenty of stand-up comedy about gun control.
There have been bits about gun control in stand-up comedy for decades, as it is one of the most divisive issues in the United States. And comedians have a lot of material to work with. After all, there's a lot of ridiculous posturing and arguments from politicians and lobbyists on both sides of the issue. Gun control jokes are difficult to pull off, but the payoff is more than worth it. Watch these stand-up comics talking about gun control and vote up the jokes you think add some much-needed perspective to the issue.
The Best Stand-Up Bits About Gun Control,
Bill Hicks
During his 1991 Relentless tour, Bill Hicks pointed out that in 1990, there were only 14 deaths due to handguns in Britain (which has very strict gun control laws), while in the United States there were 23,000 deaths from handguns. But there is no connection. At all. Stop looking for one!
Chris Rock
In his 1999 HBO special Bigger and Blacker, Chris Rock says he doesn't think guns should be illegal. He doesn't believe that gun control is the answer to violence, but what about bullet control? Maybe we could reduce gun violence if bullet cost $5,000 each.
Eddie Izzard
In Eddie Izzard's 1998 comedy special Dressed to Kill, he addressed the common NRA argument that "guns don't kill people, people kill people" by merely pointing out that while that statement is true, guns sure do help make it easier to accomplish that task.
George Carlin
In George Carlin's 1988 special What Am I Doing in New Jersey?, the comedy icon breaks down the double standards of American culture. While listing off all of the hypocrisies of American regulations, he hammers his point home by bringing up the irony of taking toy guns off the market but continuing to allow the sale of real ones.
Greg Proops
At a 2016 show at Comedy Works in Denver, CO, Greg Proops surmises that the existence of guns and gun ownership is due to the fact that men can't menstruate. "We can't give life, but we can f*cking take it away." He goes on to argue that gun ownership is derived from male fear. Then he takes down a heckler in epic fashion. All in a day's work.
Harland Williams
On his 2005 album What a Treat, the absurd Harland Williams states that everyone should get a gun because all these young people have them. Besides, you should carry a gun with you at all times anyway. After all, you never know when you'll need some money.
Jim Jefferies
In Australian comedian Jim Jefferies's Netflix stand-up special, BARE, he performs a 15-minute-long bit deriding gun culture in the United States. In this clip, Jefferies argues the only valid pro-gun argument is "I like guns" - which is perfectly fine. He just wants gun owners to stop lying to us, and themselves, about why they want a weapon.
Lewis Black
In his Old Yeller special in 2014, political ranter Lewis Black points out that gun owners have nothing to worry about for background checks. He and the federal government don't have the time or the interest to find you and confiscate your gun. Preventing criminals or mentally unstable people from buying guns, however...
Rich Hall
As an American comedian living in Britain, Rich Hall is often questioned by English audiences regarding America's fascination with firearms. During the BBC's Live at the Apollo, Hall states that the 2nd Amendment was thought up with old muskets and single-shot rifles in mind. He also shares a fun, non-gun alternative for duck hunters.
Robin Williams
In 1986's A Night at the Met, Robin Williams touched upon the overpowered nature of modern firearms. He speculates about what a fully armed American society would look like and how the violence could potentially escalate.