Is Wokeness Killing Comedy?
Open to Debate10 Nov 2023

Is Wokeness Killing Comedy?

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

Episoder(457)

Could Dating an AI Be Better Than Dating a Human?

Could Dating an AI Be Better Than Dating a Human?

Love in the time of AI? Some people seeking romance or friendship are turning to AI chatbots to fulfill those desires, but could they surpass traditional human relationships? Those who say they can ar...

29 Jul 20251h 2min

Two Conservatives Debate: Is the Big, Beautiful Bill a Disaster?

Two Conservatives Debate: Is the Big, Beautiful Bill a Disaster?

President Trump has officially signed the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act into law. There is debate among conservatives about whether it will end up driving economic growth or increasing our debt. One sid...

18 Jul 202553min

Did Harvard Have It Coming?

Did Harvard Have It Coming?

The Trump administration enacted severe actions against Harvard University that threaten its endowment, funding, and ability to enroll international students, based on accusations of antisemitism. Do ...

15 Jul 202555min

Think Twice: Reading the Constitution with Justice Stephen Breyer

Think Twice: Reading the Constitution with Justice Stephen Breyer

As an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court for almost three decades, Stephen Breyer was no stranger to hearing arguments for different sides in major cases. In this episode, our moderator-in-chief, ...

8 Jul 202553min

Are Sanctions An Effective Policy Tool?

Are Sanctions An Effective Policy Tool?

Open to Debate, in partnership with the Human Rights Foundation and the Oslo Freedom Forum, is examining a strategy employed by many countries to respond to aggressive or authoritarian regimes. In rec...

1 Jul 202553min

Is Trump's America a Reliable Ally?

Is Trump's America a Reliable Ally?

Under President Trump, America’s role on the global stage is being redefined — but can other countries trust its allyship under his leadership? Critics argue his transactional approach and threats to ...

24 Jun 202553min

Free Speech in the Trump 2.0 Era

Free Speech in the Trump 2.0 Era

The new Trump presidency has led to pressure on the First Amendment, and the lines between free expression and political enforcement are blurring. Those who say speech is now freer argue that his acti...

17 Jun 202550min

BONUS RELEASE: Can America and Its Allies Tolerate A Nuclear Iran, or Is It Time to Stop Them Now?

BONUS RELEASE: Can America and Its Allies Tolerate A Nuclear Iran, or Is It Time to Stop Them Now?

In light of today's breaking news—Israel’s targeted airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities, and Iran's retaliation—we are re-releasing our episode that confronts one of the most urgent ...

13 Jun 202554min

Populært innen Politikk og nyheter

giver-og-gjengen-vg
aftenpodden
aftenpodden-usa
popradet
forklart
stopp-verden
lydartikler-fra-aftenposten
det-store-bildet
nokon-ma-ga
dine-penger-pengeradet
rss-gukild-johaug
hanna-de-heldige
aftenbla-bla
fotballpodden-2
rss-espen-lee-usensurert
rss-ness
rss-dannet-uten-piano
e24-podden
frokostshowet-pa-p5
bt-dokumentar-2