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Does being politically correct ruin the fun in stand-up comedy?

Cassondra Oyley

As a user of social media, I believe that being politically correct does not necessarily ruin the fun in stand-up comedy. I understand the argument that political correctness has led to self-censorship, but I also believe that there is still plenty of room for humor even within the bounds of political correctness.

First and foremost, comedians have always had to be mindful of their audience. Just because a joke is funny to one person, doesn't mean it will be funny to everyone. Comedians need to be aware of their audience's sensibilities and tailor their jokes accordingly. This is not a new phenomenon brought about by political correctness. A good comedian has always been able to read the room and adjust their act to fit.

Furthermore, political correctness isn't just about avoiding offensive language or stereotypes. It's also about being mindful of power dynamics and recognizing the impact that words and actions can have on marginalized groups. In fact, I would argue that a comedian who is able to navigate these issues in a thoughtful and nuanced way can actually elevate their comedy.

Take, for example, the recently canceled TV show "Roseanne." While the show was initially praised for its ability to address issues like race and poverty, it ultimately fell apart due to its star's racist tweets. The problem wasn't that Roseanne Barr was being politically incorrect, it was that she was using her platform to spread hate and bigotry.

On the other hand, comedians like Hasan Minhaj and Ali Wong have been able to address sensitive issues like race, gender, and immigrant identity in a way that is both funny and insightful. They don't shy away from the difficult topics, but they approach them with nuance and empathy.

Of course, there will always be comedians who push the envelope and deliberately try to offend their audience. And there will always be those who argue that political correctness has gone too far and that comedy should be exempt from scrutiny. But I believe that comedy has the power to bring people together and challenge our assumptions, and that's something worth protecting.

In the end, being politically correct doesn't have to ruin the fun in stand-up comedy. In fact, it can lead to a more thoughtful and nuanced approach to comedy that can bring people together rather than tear them apart. It all comes down to the skill and empathy of the comedian and their ability to read their audience. So let's not write off political correctness as the enemy of comedy, but rather embrace it as an opportunity to elevate the art form.