Many Fridays I post something funny related to the fields of English, Communication, Education, or Cultural Studies. But today includes an interview that questions what is funny in America these days.
A new documentary will be exploring how perspectives of humor have shifted in recent years, and its director, Ted Balaker, believes that many Americans are now looking for social awareness in their comedy. Led by “outrage mobs,” they are often more interested in determining what is offensive rather than what is funny. Balaker also states that universities tend to be places that foster the most close-mindedness regarding the effect of humor on honest cultural conversation. When free speech—even offensive speech—is hindered, the director claims, we aren’t allowed to learn about one another. And comedians are starting to rebel against such sensitivity. When major comedians no longer enjoy telling jokes to young people, who used to be their target audience, we have really reached a turning point in entertainment and society.
I look forward to the film’s release and hope it offers a valuable take on the free speech debate. Have comedians gone too far? Are there jokes that shouldn’t be told? Take a look at the clip and decide for yourself.
A new documentary will be exploring how perspectives of humor have shifted in recent years, and its director, Ted Balaker, believes that many Americans are now looking for social awareness in their comedy. Led by “outrage mobs,” they are often more interested in determining what is offensive rather than what is funny. Balaker also states that universities tend to be places that foster the most close-mindedness regarding the effect of humor on honest cultural conversation. When free speech—even offensive speech—is hindered, the director claims, we aren’t allowed to learn about one another. And comedians are starting to rebel against such sensitivity. When major comedians no longer enjoy telling jokes to young people, who used to be their target audience, we have really reached a turning point in entertainment and society.
I look forward to the film’s release and hope it offers a valuable take on the free speech debate. Have comedians gone too far? Are there jokes that shouldn’t be told? Take a look at the clip and decide for yourself.