Q&A: Watching entertainment shows that laugh at / humiliate people
Watching entertainment shows that laugh at / humiliate people
Question
Hello Rabbi,
Do you think there is a halakhic or moral problem with watching shows like Eretz Nehederet that make fun of people personally? Even when there is understandable criticism, sometimes it is accompanied by ridicule and belittling of the person’s personality in a way that is very unpleasant for that person and his family.
And more generally, do you think that in a proper society it is fitting for there to be such shows? Again, I want to emphasize that the question is not about criticism and mocking of actions or statements, but about a degrading presentation of the person’s personality.
Answer
I don’t remember all the details right now, but in my opinion the ridicule is usually of the conduct, personality, and values, and not just of superficial traits (like being fat or thin). Maybe there are a few exceptions, but in general that is my impression.
In my opinion, a proper society should have shows like these, and it is not only permitted. In my view, it is an excellent show, and sometimes truly brilliant.