"What if she's just doing it to be laughed at? What if there's no larger motivation than doing it so people laugh, some uncomfortably, at an idiot saying these horribly racist things? "

Then what the critics say is right. If you say all she is is a shock comic, fine. I think it isn't funny and I don't think she's talented. Anyone can do that. Other people can think she's funny but she shouldn't be compared with great comedians.

The issue starts with people saying she is like Lenny Bruce or Pryor and that she's ironic. If people admit she's just shocking then there's no discussion. People then just differ in their response to shock humor.