Comedian Jerry Seinfeld decries the impact of 'extreme left' and political correctness on the comedy industry, arguing that it has diminished the availability of comedic relief on television.
Storied comedian Jerry Seinfeld has unleashed a scathing critique on political correctness, asserting that it has dealt a crippling blow to the comedy industry. In a recent interview with the New Yorker's Radio Hour, Seinfeld lamented the decline of humorous television shows, attributing it to the excessive policing of language and content.
"Nothing really affects comedy. People always need it. They need it so badly and they don't get it," Seinfeld lamented. He pointed to the absence of shows like "Cheers," "M.A.S.H.," and "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," which once provided a nightly dose of laughter to viewers.
According to Seinfeld, the rise of political correctness has rendered it nearly impossible to create comedy that meets societal standards. "It used to be that you'd go home at the end of the day, most people would go, ‘Oh, ’Cheers' is on. Oh, ‘M.A.S.H.’ is on. Oh, ‘[The] Mary Tyler Moore [Show]’ is on, ‘All in the Family’ is on.' You just expected [there will] be some funny stuff we can watch on TV tonight."
"Well, guess what? Where is it? Where is it? This is the result of the extreme left and P.C. c--p and people worrying so much about offending other people."
Seinfeld argued that the strict scrutiny of language and content has hindered the spontaneous and uncensored nature of comedy. "They're going to see stand-up comics because they are not policed by anyone. The audience polices us. We know when we're off track. We know instantly. And we adjust to it instantly," he explained. "But 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 emphasized the importance of agility and adaptability in the ever-changing landscape of comedy. "They move the gates, like in skiing," Seinfeld said. "Culture – the gates are moving. Your job is to be agile and clever enough that wherever they put the gates, I'm going to make the gate."
While acknowledging the risks associated with pushing the boundaries, Seinfeld acknowledged the potential rewards. "With certain comedians now, people are having fun with them stepping over the line, and us all laughing about it," he said. "But again, it's the stand-ups that really have the freedom to do it because no one else gets the blame if it doesn't go down well. He or she can take all the blame [themselves.]"
Seinfeld's comments have sparked a debate about the impact of political correctness on comedy. Some argue that it has stifle
