By: Ikkz Ikbal
There was a time when humor had wit, depth, and a sense of responsibility. Comedy was about making people laugh while also making them think. But today, the boundaries have blurred. In the name of modern entertainment, vulgarity is being paraded as comedy, and what’s worse—people are cheering for it.
The recent controversy surrounding India’s Got Latent, a YouTube show that gained attention for all the wrong reasons, is a reflection of this disturbing trend. The show, featuring popular social media influencers, crossed every line of decency with explicit conversations, crude jokes, and offensive remarks. In a latest episode, one of the panellists, Ranveer Allahbadia (BeerBiceps), asked a contestant a question so vulgar that it left audiences stunned. Instead of wit or humor, the show delivered cheap sensationalism, wrapped in the excuse of “dark comedy.”
When did we reach a point where public indecency is called entertainment? More importantly, why are so many young people supporting it?
In today’s digital era, content creators are in a race to grab attention. The more controversial, shocking, or outrageous the content, the higher the views. Many influencers have figured this out and have started pushing boundaries, knowing that shock value sells. They justify it under the labels of “free speech” and “modern humor,” but the truth is, it’s just a desperate attempt to stay relevant.
What’s even more troubling is that many young people seem to admire this kind of content. They don’t just watch it—they celebrate it. They repost clips, defend the creators, and dismiss criticism as “overreaction.” In their eyes, anyone who speaks against such content is either too old-fashioned or unable to “take a joke.”
Shockingly, the problem is not just with the content creators or the audience but also with the families of these influencers. Instead of guiding their children towards responsible content, many parents today proudly watch as their sons and daughters make headlines for all the wrong reasons.
A generation ago, parents would be horrified if their child became famous for vulgarity. Today, they are cheering them on, boasting about their “viral fame.” Have we become so blind in our obsession with social media validation that we no longer care about the values we pass on?
One of the most common arguments in defense of such content is freedom of speech. Of course, people should have the right to express themselves. But should there be no limits? If someone walks into a crowded marketplace and starts yelling obscenities, would we call it free speech or public indecency?
Comedy is supposed to challenge ideas, not destroy moral fabric. There’s a vast difference between using humor to highlight social issues and using it as an excuse to spew filth. Dark comedy is not about being obscene—it’s about using wit to reveal uncomfortable truths. Sadly, many so-called comedians today don’t understand this difference.
What happened with India’s Got Latent is not just about one show. It’s a mirror reflecting the mindset of an entire generation. The fact that such content can thrive and gain millions of views speaks volumes about our current culture.
This is not a call for censorship. It’s a call for responsibility. Content creators need to understand that with influence comes accountability. They shape the thoughts, opinions, and behavior of their audience, whether they accept it or not.
At the same time, viewers need to be more mindful of what they consume. Not everything that trends is worth watching. Not every joke is harmless. We need to start rejecting content that degrades humor and promotes indecency.
Most importantly, parents need to step up. Applauding their children for producing vulgar content only fuels the problem. Instead of celebrating them for going viral, they should be teaching them about the difference between real talent and cheap publicity.
Final Thoughts
This generation is not beyond saving. There are still young people who create meaningful content, comedians who rely on intellect rather than obscenity, and influencers who use their platform responsibly. But they are getting overshadowed by those who chase controversy for clout.
It’s time to rethink what we call entertainment. If we continue to allow filth to thrive under the disguise of humor, we shouldn’t be surprised when it becomes the norm. Instead of asking, “Why are people so sensitive these days?” maybe we should ask, “Why have people lost all sense of decency?”
The writer has a PG in Biotechnology and is Administrator at Maryam Memorial Institute Pandithpora Qaziabad. He X’s @IkkzIkbal
