How Twitter Took Alex Edelman to IRL White Supremacists
Sep 14, 2023
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Alex Edelman, a Jewish comedian, discusses his hit one-man show 'Just For Us' that tackles white supremacists. They explore the value of entering rooms with people you disagree with, Elon Musk's threat to sue the ADL, and the role of comedy in challenging preconceived notions.
The tension between free speech and responsibility on social media platforms and the need for better moderation of anti-Semitic speech.
Exploring white supremacist corners of Twitter through comedy, delving into topics of assimilation, identity, and the boundaries of empathy.
The importance of crafting jokes that are both funny and thoughtful to avoid unnecessary offense, while still pushing boundaries and making people laugh.
Deep dives
Elon Musk blames ADL for Twitter's revenue decline
Elon Musk publicly blamed the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) for a decline in Twitter's revenue, sparking controversy and backlash. Musk claimed that the ADL and other groups were pressuring advertisers and causing them to withdraw their support from Twitter. However, critics argue that Musk is deflecting blame and ignoring other reasons for Twitter's decline, such as poor trust and safety measures and low-quality advertisements. The episode highlights the tension between free speech and responsibility on social media platforms, as well as the need for better moderation of anti-Semitic speech.
Comedian Alex Adelman's hit show exploring white supremacists
Comedian Alex Adelman's hit one-man show, 'Just For Us,' explores his experience of delving into the white supremacist corner of Twitter. Adelman explains how he created a Twitter list of white nationalists and ultimately attended a meeting of white supremacists. Through humor and storytelling, the show delves into topics of assimilation, identity, and the boundaries of empathy. Adelman's performance has received positive reviews and sparked conversations about the responsibilities and impact of comedy.
The influence of late director Adam Brace on Alex Adelman's show
Adam Brace, a close friend and director of Alex Adelman's show, played a pivotal role in shaping the performance. Adelman credits Brace with understanding him deeply and challenging him to think critically about his material. Brace's sudden passing before the show premiered added an emotional layer to the performance. Adelman has continued to honor Brace's memory through his work and fundraising efforts for an award in Brace's name.
Navigating the line between offensive comedy and empathy
Adelman reflects on the responsibilities of comedians and the challenges of navigating offensive and edgy material. He believes that crafting jokes that are both funny and thoughtful is essential to avoid unnecessary offense or laziness. Adelman shares his personal journey of reevaluating his own jokes and the importance of humor that shows the work and justifies its content. The conversation explores the fine line between being offensive and pushing boundaries, while still striving to make people laugh.
Upcoming projects and reflections on the impact of the show
Adelman shares his plans for future projects, including writing and directing a Christmas film. He also discusses his desire to explore new environments and create stories in unexpected places. Despite the success of his current show, Adelman grapples with the loss of his collaborator, Adam Brace, and the challenges of performing without him. Adelman's determination to continue their work while also reflecting on the impact of Brace's guidance and contributions is evident in his approach to future projects.
A Jewish comedian walks into an apartment in Queens to meet a group of white supremacists … This isn’t the setup to a bad joke — it’s the inciting incident in Alex Edelman’s hit one-man show, “Just For Us,” which recently wrapped a nine-week run on Broadway.
We talk to Edelman about the value of entering rooms with people you vehemently disagree with, Elon Musk’s threat to sue the ADL, and whether there should be any uncrossable lines in comedy.
Questions or comments? Email us at on@voxmedia.com or find us on social media. We’re on Instagram/Threads as @karaswisher and @nayeemaraza