The stand
up comedians at your local cafe aren't important in the grand scheme of things.
Chances are, they'll never make it to a platform big enough to make a true
social difference. Nothing against your local Adam Sandler but being a famous standup
comedian is rare. Just think about how many comedians you know. Kevin Hart?
Trevor Noah? Jon Stewart? there's probably about 10-15 comedians that are truly
known. Now I don't want to discourage any up and coming comedians because their
jobs are truly important. They talk about issues that no one else will and they
make topics that are boring to many, and make it entertaining.
I encourage you to watch the
following video over your break:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUizvEjR-0U
This whole video is Jon Oliver
talking about a disastrous event that no one else seemingly wants to truly talk
about. He discusses the problem of Flint, and although it's a grim subject,
he's able to make you laugh but also be outraged of the atrocities occurring.
This is why comedians are important. They make necessary news accessible to the
public. How will there be true change without an informed public? Comedians
have an important job, they can really make a difference.
In our PC culture many comedians
are criticized for going "too far". Fact of the matter is, the truth
hurts. I believe this is a good thing because they are pushing social
boundaries. "Stories
and expressions that are normally unacceptable are met with laughter and
agreement when they are told on stage. The fact that the content is encrusted
in humor is like a sugar coating to bitter medicine. The laugh takes away the
sting."(Cohen)
Of course, some jokes may go too far but most of the time
these offensive jokes have an underlying message that many people don’t see. Instead
of being offended right away and complaining about a joke, perhaps these jokes
should be taken past surface level because they may reveal something more. So
to all the local Letterman's out there, keep doing your thing. Keep telling jokes.
We are going to need laughter. Make America laugh again.
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