Open to Debate Is Wokeness Killing Comedy?
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Jul 5, 2024 Debating the impact of wokeness on comedy, comedians discuss if old jokes are off-limits, leading to public apologies. Some argue that political correctness stifles creativity while others believe comedy can evolve with changing norms. The discussion includes cancel culture, free speech, and the intersection of comedy and wokeness, culminating in a live audience vote on whether wokeness is killing comedy.
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Past Comedic Material
- Lou Perez mentioned Michael Ian Black's past comedic work, including blackface, Asian face, and jokes about rape, pedophilia, and AIDS.
- Perez expressed a mix of admiration and concern, noting that such material would be unacceptable today due to changing cultural norms.
Ginny Hogan's MeToo Joke
- Comedian Ginny Hogan shared a joke she wrote during the MeToo movement but felt uncomfortable telling at its height.
- The joke's resurgence illustrates how social mores influence comedic boundaries, suggesting a dynamic interplay between comedy and cultural sensitivity.
Self-Censorship in Comedy
- John Cleese stated comedians now self-censor, hindering creativity due to fear of reprisal.
- Lou Perez corroborated this, citing instances where collaborators requested not to be credited on projects due to such concerns.