Jerry Seinfeld revises his stance on comedy and censorship
Reflecting on past comments
In a recent turn of events, Jerry Seinfeld walked back his previous comments regarding the impact of P.C. culture on comedy. Earlier this year, while promoting his Netflix movie Unfrosted, the comedian caused a stir by suggesting that the “extreme left” and political correctness had put an end to TV comedy. Seinfeld mentioned then that the overemphasis on not offending people was stifling comedic creativity.
“When you write a script and it goes into four or five different hands, committees, groups—‘Here’s our thought about this joke.’ Well, that’s the end of your comedy,” Seinfeld remarked in that controversial interview.
However, Seinfeld is now reconsidering those statements.
A change of heart
Appearing on the latest episode of his friend and fellow comedian, Tom Papa’s Breaking Bread podcast, Seinfeld candidly shared his regrets about targeting P.C. culture. He clarified, “I said that the ‘extreme left’ has suppressed the art of comedy. That’s not true.”
Using a vivid metaphor, Seinfeld compared comedians to champion skiers, stating, “If you’re a champion skier, you can put the gates anywhere you want on the mountain and you’re going to make the gate. That’s comedy. Whatever the culture is, we make the gate. You don’t make the gate, you’re out of the game. The game is where the gate is and how do I make the gate to get down the hill.”
Seinfeld acknowledged that societal norms and restrictions evolve, but he remains optimistic that real comedians can adapt. “Does culture change and are there things that I used to say that [I can’t because] people are always moving [the gate]? Yes, but that’s the biggest and easiest target. You can’t say certain words about groups. So what? The accuracy of your observation has to be 100 times finer than that just to be a comedian…So I don’t think, as I said, the ‘extreme left’ has done anything to inhibit the art of comedy,” he explained.
Addressing the college controversy
Addressing another point of contention, Seinfeld countered rumors that he had sworn off performing at colleges due to their overly P.C. environments. “First of all, I never said it, but if you think I said it, it’s not true. I play colleges all the time. I have no problem with kids, performing for them. I was just at the University of Indiana. I do colleges all the time.”
After Seinfeld’s initial comments, the comedy community buzzed with discussions on the state of modern comedy.
Perspectives from fellow comedians
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Seinfeld’s longtime co-star, weighed in on the topic during an appearance on the On With Kara Swisher podcast. She pushed back against the idea that comedy is struggling due to a shift towards politically correct content. “There’s a lot of talk about how comics can’t be funny now,” said Louis-Dreyfus. “I think that’s bullshit. Physical comedy and intellectual comedy and political comedy, I think, have never been more interesting, because there’s so much to do.”
This sentiment reflects a larger trend in the comedy world, where performers are continually adjusting their material to align with evolving norms without compromising on creativity or incisiveness.
The wider implications
Seinfeld’s revised stance sheds light on a larger conversation about the responsibilities and challenges comedians face in today’s cultural landscape. In a time where every word and joke can be scrutinized to the nth degree, the ability to navigate these waters while still delivering humor is a mark of true comedic talent.
Navigating the balance between respecting cultural sensitivities and retaining the essence of comedy is an ongoing challenge. Yet, as Seinfeld aptly illustrated, skilled comedians are capable of adapting and thriving, regardless of societal changes.
By reassessing his previous statements, Seinfeld sets an example for open dialogue and reflection in the comedy world. It’s a reminder that even seasoned professionals continuously learn and adapt, reflecting their growth in both their craft and understanding of the society they aim to entertain.
To catch the full conversation, check out Seinfeld’s interview on Tom Papa’s Breaking Bread podcast.
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