He was so ahead of his time that comics now are just barely starting to catch up with him. I believe are following in the footsteps of Andy Kaufman with their live street theatre comedy stylings. Doing bits in public where the audience does not know it as comedy. Therefore, once again, the audience becomes the punch line depending on how they react to the situation. And being the punch line of a joke, is not always a bad thing.
People sometimes feel hurt, like they have been 'had'.
Well, yes, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the aftermath too. We're living it constantly. The way people react to things, the mentality of the masses, our repression and aggression and quirks all wound up tight inside the fabric of society. People are funny. Use it, enjoy it.