Not a new thing to have audience members taking offense at some undbridled insults from the stage
...comedians really light into audiences, and there's no guarantee someone won't pop off and hit them.
It's as if people looking on have never seen someone physically take offense to insulting jokes before. It's definitely not a new thing, not in comedy clubs or anywhere else. You can say anything you want to just about anyone, but there's always a chance one of them is going to take offense and possibly strike back physically.
It's wrong on both sides, imo, and both wanton insults and physical reactions should be avoided. But that's not the reality with many humans, and I don't think anyone should expect they can arbitrarily insult someone without consequence, no matter how we feel about violent reactions. It's our own responsibility to avoid provoking people, as much as it is for us to avoid putting our hands on someone or striking out in response.
Smith has it coming for his actions, but Rock should feel some heat, as well. Police and judges make this distinction and judgement all of the time about provoked violence they respond to in their duties. We need to take the same view.
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