We know what is right and wrong, we
just do. In the modern world the line has been blurred so we are
gentle to everyone that could be slightly offended or, more often,
take weird offence on behalf of a third party. Take Sean Penn's
zinger at the Ocars. One, the guys knew each other. Two, the guy the
joke was directed at validated it by assuring it was within the
nature of their relationship and three it was within the good-natured
spectrum of ribbing that happens when rich and famous people party
together.
But shit went crazy. Twitter has given
everyone a voice, which isn't a bad thing. Except that, as I have
always believed, most people are narrow-minded and kind of stupid.
They want to be seen as being outraged because it means they aren't
racist They are picking a fight where there is none.
It got me thinking. I don't claim this
sort of bullshit outrage comes from anything but ego, over
compensation and safe-gaurding against being harshly looked on. But
if it came from a stern basis, what would that basis be? It certainly
isn't comedians, though it probably should be.
The truth is so far removed from our
day-to-day that it is now funny. It is kind of responsible for Bill
Mahers career, likewise Bill Burr, Louis CK and John Oliver.
Comedians are sought out for their laughs as much as their views.
This isn't new.
Part, let's say a huge part, of what
made Lenny Bruce a name guy was the fact that he spoke truths. For
the time they were very radical truths. They were framed as funny,
and they were, but his name lives now for speaking the real truth in
the first incarnation of the age of political correctness. It was the
first real time anyone gave a shit, and going against that was a game
changing move. It was less funny than it was true, and that tradition
has continued.
Being a comedian is something of a
natural cover. Any views expressed can always be covered by an
attempt to be funny. This allows comedy to be nearly the only form of
proper free speech left. I say nearly because clearly, in recent
times, it is not that good a cover.
I am not talking about Kramer going
super 1930's on everyone, he was having a bad day. That was an
outburst and nothing more profound or purposeful. I guess I am
saying, obviously that was shitty. But it also opened the door on
everything ever said on-stage being scrutinised as being similarly
shitty. No doubt there are things that are said on-stage that might
offend some groups, but with big name comedians (who seem to be the
only ones garnering criticism) you have some idea of what you are in
for.
And if you don't, leave and ask for a
refund. Vote with your wallet, feet but not with your mouth. What is
close-minded and bigoted to you, is the height of humour to someone
else. You do not have to enjoy it, approve of it or support it with
your hard-earned buck. What you do have to do, in my opinion, is
respect the right of those who do to do so. I know it is also free
speech to criticise something, but routinely whipping shit into a
frenzy to pacify some self-righteousness or thin-skin is surely
pushing that point. I do believe it is also chipping at the
foundations of autonomy that comedians, and basically everyone else,
should be enjoying.
Take for example, this bit. Bill Burr
has been called a sexist, but he is a realist. Like so many comics
who cop charges of intolerance, he is simply speaking the truth or
his truth. Which is multi-faceted and obviously a lot of the time not
comfortable.
Bill Burr, a
happily married man.
NP
