On Comedy And Politics
Hello and happy Tuesday! Happy to report it took me all of two weeks from making a proclamation about making Monday deadlines to miss one. Did I have a bad cold over the weekend? Yes. Did I have a bunch of MasterChef deadlines to hit in addition to this one? Yes. Are these excuses? Absolutely yes! But I told you there’d be days like this, so, here we are!
Now that I’m not whacked out on Dayquil and catatonic on my couch, I have this to say: If there’s one thing I’m grateful for, it’s that I am not national news.
Comedy is not apolitical, but comedy should not be politics. Comedy and politics should be like oil and water: always at odds with each other. If they do mix, they should separate quickly. Their relationship should be antagonistic, not symbiotic. But now, we are in the age of candidates appearing on comedy podcasts in order to “tap into voter bases” and have “unfiltered conversations,” blurring the line between places to joke around and places to have serious conversations. I have been pulling my hair out watching politicians use the world of comedy as a mouthpiece for their platforms, and watching comedians lap up the attention that comes along with being a megaphone for politicians and pundits.
I think that the prospect of mainstream fame – or infamy – has clouded the judgment of many comedians. I think that being on the edge artistically and “being edgy” are two completely separate things. I think that the sun is rising again on the underground, the alt, and the freaky-deaky sides of the comedy universe, and that post-election, no matter which side wins, more people will seek them out.
Or maybe I’m wrong. Maybe I’m wishing and hoping on company time for nothing. I guess time will tell. For now, I’m going to keep making jokes in relative anonymity – and in peace.
THINGS I’M GLAD I SAW LAST WEEK
ANTHONY JESELNIK ON “GETTING IN TROUBLE”
It’s no secret that I love Anthony Jeselnik. One of the finest joke writers of all time, staunch in his belief that comedy is art, and in possession of unwavering self-knowledge. This clip came up again on Sunday and it’s a great reminder.
DON RICKLES AT THE REAGAN INAUGURATION
“Political correctness? In my humor, I never talk about politics. I was never much into all that.”
Don Rickles
You wanna know what it looks like when you hire a roast comic to perform at the appropriate time in a political cycle? Do yourself a favor and rewatch this clip of Rickles at Reagan’s inauguration.
ANORA
Anora is a lot of things:
a fucked-up Cinderella story
a screwball sex comedy for the 21st century
a potential rocket to stardom for Mikey Madison
not my favorite Sean Baker movie – shoutout Red Rocket – but clearly his best work to date
a likely awards-season darling and the potential Best Picture winner for next year’s Oscars
As a filthy coastal elite I know I might’ve gotten to see it before you did, so when it gets to your area, go check it out! I might even have to see it in theaters twice to cleanse my palate.
A BRIEF DISPATCH FROM RECOVERYLAND
Don’t have much to report, was thrown off my usual meeting schedule due to a mix of illness and work. Tough to stay off the scroll this weekend. Can’t imagine why!
WHAT ABOUT ME?
You can find me:
most Tuesdays at the Comedy Store hosting the Roast Battle pre-show
in LA - full show calendar is here
doing WRONG! in LA on November 2nd and in San Diego on November 15th
Until next time, friends. Thanks for reading, I’m glad you’re here.