Is Wokeness Killing Comedy?

Open to Debate

Education, Society & Culture, News, Government, Politics

4.5 • 2.1K Ratings

🗓️ 10 November 2023

⏱️ 51 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

What Lenny Bruce, George Carlin, or Eddie Murphy jokes would be deemed offensive by today’s standards? From comedy specials to TV shows and movies, what makes us laugh has come under scrutiny. Some old jokes and racy skits are considered off-limits in today's context, leading to public apologies, cancellations, and backlash. While society wants more inclusivity and awareness, comedy has now become a cultural battleground. Some argue that political correctness will stifle comedic creativity and worry it will affect comedy’s ability to tackle tough subjects, leading to self-censorship and lack of depth or free speech. Those who disagree say comedy, like all art forms, has always evolved with changing societal norms and it can still flourish without relying on harmful stereotypes or tropes. Instead, acting more sensitive or woke will refine and elevate comedy. Against this background, we debate the question: Is Wokeness Killing Comedy? This debate will take place in front of a live audience, on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at The Comedy Cellar’s Village Underground in New York City. Arguing Yes: Lou Perez, Comedian, Producer, Author of "That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore" Arguing No: Michael Ian Black, Actor and Comedian Nick Gillespie, Editor-at-Large of Reason, guest moderates Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Twas a night in November at your pal's Christmas party when an elf arrives.
0:08.0	Oh, with a toffee night latte!
0:10.0	Hey everyone, who wants a Starbucks?
0:14.0	Ooy! Same one for me!
0:16.0	Get the group together for Starbucks festive favorites. It's IRL season.
0:22.0	At a Starbucks, the EU.
0:25.0	A. A.
0:27.0	Subject of availability while stocks last.
0:29.0	This is open to debate. I'm John Donvent. Today we're doing something a little bit different.
0:35.8	In this particular debate, the fault line relates to the world of comedy. We asked to comedians
0:42.2	to come to a comedy club in New York City to debate our question.
0:45.8	So what you're going to hear is a serious debate, but it's also going to be funny.
0:49.3	We asked our good friend of the show and previous guest moderator, previous debater, in fact Nick Gillespie to
0:54.1	take this one on. There will also be some references in this debate to sex and
0:58.0	some other edgy materials so please take care of listening with children. And with
1:01.7	that my good friend, guest moderating
1:04.6	Nick Gillespie. Here's Nick.
1:08.8	Welcome to Open to Debate. I'm Nick Gillespie, editor at large for Reason magazine, and I'm guest
1:14.2	moderating this debate here at the comedy cellar in New York City. We're here to
1:19.5	debate the question, is wokeness killing comedy. I guess the very first thing we should do is
1:26.0	define the terms of debate. Being woke or staying woke is a phrase that originated in
1:32.1	African-American slang referring to the urgency for
	...

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