Jerry Seinfeld reconsiders his remarks on comedy and political correctness
An unexpected walk-back
In a surprising turn of events, iconic comedian Jerry Seinfeld recently retracted his previous controversial statements about how the “extreme left” was negatively affecting the world of comedy. During an engaging conversation on the Breaking Bread podcast with Tom Papa, Seinfeld expressed regret over his choice of words and clarified his stance.
“I said that the ‘extreme left’ has suppressed the art of comedy. I did say that. That’s not true,” confessed Seinfeld, emphasizing his change in perspective.
The initial controversy
Earlier this year, Seinfeld had candidly commented that the increasing emphasis on political correctness was hampering comedians. In his April interview, he highlighted how scripts and jokes often pass through multiple filters, effectively stifling 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,” he remarked, causing a stir in the comedy community.
Reflections from the comedy circle
Seinfeld’s comments sparked a significant conversation among fellow comedians, with personalities like Julia Louis-Dreyfus weighing in. While acknowledging the importance of sensitivity, Louis-Dreyfus argued that it doesn’t undermine the essence of comedy.
“I think to have an antenna about sensitivities is not a bad thing. It doesn’t mean that all comedy goes out the window as a result,” Louis-Dreyfus shared, offering a balanced take on the matter.
Realizations and regrets
This week, in a reflective mood on Papa’s podcast, Seinfeld humorously admitted to his ignorance about the public’s keen interest in comedians’ opinions.
“I did not know that people care what comedians say,” Seinfeld said, laughing. “That literally came as news to me.”
Seinfeld used a metaphor to convey his revised outlook, comparing comedy to competitive skiing. He stressed that like a skier who adjusts to changing courses, comedians too must adapt.
“If you’re Lindsay Vonn, if you’re a champion skier, you can put the gates anywhere you want on the mountain and she’s 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.”
Navigating the shifting landscape
Seinfeld candidly acknowledged the dynamic nature of culture and how certain jokes or words might become inappropriate over time. However, he believes that true comedic skill lies in navigating these shifts.
“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, whatever they are, about groups. So what? The accuracy of your observation has to be 100 times finer than that just to be a comedian.”
By officially retracting his previous statements, Seinfeld emphasized that the so-called “extreme left” has not hindered the art of comedy.
Addressing misconceptions
Seinfeld also took a moment to dispel a persistent rumor about his performance choices. Contrary to popular belief, he clarified that he has not ceased performing at colleges due to students’ preference for political correctness.
“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, Kentucky, we did UT — I do colleges all the time.”
A nuanced perspective
Seinfeld’s recent reflections offer a nuanced understanding of comedy in today’s socio-political climate. His candid admissions and thoughtful analogies bring to light the ever-evolving challenges comedians face and underscore the importance of adaptability and precision in their craft. As the conversation around comedy and political correctness continues, Seinfeld’s insights provide valuable food for thought for both comedians and audiences alike.
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