Comedy Is Not Critical Thought
Recently, several principals within the comedy industry sounded off in praise of the life and work of one of their own, who recently passed away.
Among the many reflections, were resounding approvals of the comedian’s more controversial acts.
At this point it is worth remembering, that whereas a staple of our modern entertainment — live, television, cable and motion pictures — comedy should never be mistaken for clear self-correcting reason. Comedy is entertainment, not exegesis.
It is important to qualify the messenger when hearing the message.
Comedians are not professors. They are the court jesters of the modern age. They are our clowns — and we need our clowns.
But much like many actor-turned-philosopher/political commentator, these are people often given to the satisfaction of impulse and emotion, rather than examination and proof. These people have manifestly lesser criteria than the subject of their debate demands. Like many people, they simply build their case up to a point of comfort, not discomfort.
Comedians often deal in caricature, hyperbole and parody, so much of their commentary must be relegated as such.
By all means laugh. Just remember you are laughing at a joke, not a fact.
David Jetre / Jetrefilm
Sometimes … truth is quite funny and unexpected.
Very, very true.