Jon Stewart, Donald Trump, and How Comedy Changed Politics
Oct 22, 2023
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Jesse David Fox, senior editor at Vulture, and author of the forthcoming “Comedy Book,” talks with Jon about how the internet changed comedy and how comedy changed politics. They discuss the erosion of broadcast journalism under Reagan, the misplaced trust in comedians, the impact of the internet on humor, and why a comic’s success is no longer measured in laughs.
Comedy has become a trusted source for news and information, filling the trust vacuum created by the erosion of broadcast journalism under Reagan.
Political comedy serves as a powerful tool for resistance, undermining the authority of despots and fostering a sense of camaraderie among opposition.
The internet has intensified debates around political correctness, challenging comedians to navigate complexities while striving to make comedy better.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Comedy with the Rise of the Internet
The podcast episode explores how comedy has evolved alongside the rise of the internet. The guest, Jesse David Fox, discusses his book on comedy and its impact on American culture, particularly among millennials and Gen Z. Comedy has become a central medium for communication and building trust in media. The internet has provided comedians with new platforms and opportunities, allowing them to reach audiences that resonate with their particular style. However, the internet has also intensified debates around political correctness and free speech, challenging comedians to navigate these complexities while striving to make comedy better.
The Role of Comedy in Politics and Resisting Powerful Figures
Political comedy has played a significant role in shaping public perception and resistance against powerful figures. The episode highlights how humor can provide hope and motivation, even in challenging political climates. By mocking leaders or highlighting their absurdity and incompetence, comedians can undermine their authority and create a sense of camaraderie among those who oppose them. While political comedy may not directly bring down despots, it serves a vital purpose in connecting people, inspiring resistance, and reinforcing democratic values.
The Shift in Comedy and the Debate Around Political Correctness
The podcast delves into the ongoing debate surrounding political correctness and its impact on comedy. The guest argues that political correctness has not killed comedy, but rather, it has the potential to make comedy better. The internet has allowed individuals to voice their opinions and critique comedy, challenging comedians to be more aware of the impact of their jokes. The debate is complicated, as comedians strive to balance pushing boundaries and entertaining audiences while considering the feelings of marginalized groups. Ultimately, the internet has amplified the discussion around free speech, forcing comedians to navigate these issues and adapt to a changing societal landscape.
The Power of Trust and Comedy
Comedians have a unique ability to build trust with their audience through creating an atmosphere of comfort and familiarity. This trust is crucial for comedians to be effective as news sources, as it precedes the delivery of information. The trust that comedians earn is often based on their ability to make people laugh and feel comfortable, akin to the trust we have in our friends and family. The late-night show host John Stewart, for example, was known for his talent in discussing complex issues and making people feel at ease, leading to a high level of trust among his viewers. However, there is a debate about whether comedy should focus too much on mockeries and cynicism about politics, as it risks reinforcing a sense of apathy and the belief that nothing matters.
The Role of Comedy in Processing Trauma
Comedy plays a crucial role in helping people process trauma, especially during challenging times like the pandemic. It serves as a means of lightening the emotional burdens and providing a sense of relief and comfort. The ability of comedians to create laughter and moments of aloofness allows audiences to momentarily escape the heaviness of their experiences. The pandemic, unlike other events like 9/11, has made the gathering of people difficult, but laughter remains a vital aspect of connecting with others. Comedians can offer a much-needed respite from grief and provide a stepping stone towards healing. However, it is essential for comedians to be mindful of their responsibility and not misuse the trust they have gained by making potentially harmful jokes.
Jesse David Fox, senior editor at Vulture and author of the forthcoming “Comedy Book,” joins Offline to break down how the internet changed comedy and how comedy changed politics. Jesse and Jon trace how the erosion of broadcast journalism under Reagan created a trust vacuum in America that comedians inadvertently filled. Jesse explains why this trust is misplaced, and the implications for entertainment, political correctness, and authoritarian leaders like Donald Trump. Then the two discuss how the internet has made us pickier about humor, why Elon needed to buy Twitter to feel funny, and why a comic’s success is no longer measured in laughs.
For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
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