"There is a strong ethical dimension to the best comedy. Not only does it avoid reinforcing prejudices, it actively challenges them"

Steve Coogan's quote highlights the essential role of ethics in comedy, suggesting that the most impactful and significant humor doesn't simply captivate but also holds a mirror to social standards and prejudices, questioning them while doing so. Funny, at its best, acts as an effective tool for social commentary. It possesses the distinct capability to challenge entrenched beliefs, provoke thought, and inspire modification in a manner that is available and often disarming.

When Coogan mentions a "strong ethical measurement", he is alluding to the obligation of comedians to be aware of the effect their humor can have on audiences. Comedy that simply perpetuates stereotypes or enhances existing prejudices stops short of satisfying its capacity. Instead, it runs the risk of sealing hazardous ideas instead of dismantling them. By avoiding jokes that target or marginalize specific groups, ethical funny shifts focus from belittlement to wider, more inclusive narratives.

Furthermore, Coogan's assertion that fantastic funny "actively challenges" prejudices recommends that humor can be a driver for progressive discourse. This form of funny does not shy away from hard conversations however rather utilizes satire, irony, and wit to highlight absurdities and contradictions within social standards. By provoking thought and conversation, comical work can foster higher understanding and empathy among diverse audiences, motivating reflection on individual and cumulative predispositions.

In essence, Coogan is promoting for a sort of funny that transcends simple entertainment. He is calling for humor that is insightful and socially conscious, that concerns the status quo rather than supporting it. By doing so, comedians can add to a more open and equitable society, where laughter ends up being a means of connecting across divides and envisioning a better world. This ethical approach not only increases the effect of funny but also elevates its function within cultural and social contexts.