Has Political Correctness Destroyed Comedy, Movies, and TV?
The concept of political correctness has certainly garnered significant attention in recent years. For some, it is seen as a sterile, constraining force that stifles creativity and humor. However, for others, it is a necessary evolution that elevates the quality of content and inspires more thoughtful and inclusive narratives.
Political Correctness and Comedy
Consider The Good Place, a critically acclaimed series from 2016. This show brilliantly intertwines moral philosophy with humor, making political correctness an integral part of its comedic narrative. For those unfamiliar with it, the humor is often lost on them; for those who get it, it is both compelling and funny. The quality of writing, combined with the themes of inclusivity, makes it a standout show.
I found myself completely turning away from American and British TV shows and films. The pervasive political correctness often serves as a barrier to enjoyment. Instead, I have embraced K-Dramas and other forms of Asian cinema. These have thrilled me with their nuanced storytelling and less restrictive content guidelines. There will be no going back.
Impact on TV and Advertisements
TV channels, especially commercial ones, now brim with politically correct content. The very act of watching these broadcasts feels like being subjected to a form of propaganda. Take, for example, advertisements: if minorities make up a minority, why do nearly every commercial feature them prominently? Is this an understood rule within the advertising industry?
For me, the logical consequence is to completely avoid broadcast TV. Even live sports are not immune. The flood of politically correct content has created a noisy environment where genuine expression is harder to come by.
Political Correctness and Comedy Quality
Some argue that political correctness has undermined comedy, making it harder and more constrained. However, this view is largely a misinterpretation. Offensive humor is indeed easy; it relies on shock value and preying on stereotypes. Conversely, political correctness pushes comedians and writers to craft better jokes that avoid the pitfalls of low-hanging fruit.
For instance, a comedian needs to work harder to be funny. They must approach their material from the perspective of a more thoughtful, inclusive stance. This results in not only minority characters being treated beyond mere punchlines but also a more diverse and quality-driven comedic content.
Political correctness has, in many ways, forced comedians and writers to embrace more sophisticated and nuanced storytelling. This heightened focus on inclusivity and social commentary not only improves the quality of jokes but also resonates with a wider audience. The punchline is no longer a punchdown but a punchup, aiming to connect with a broader spectrum of viewers.
Comedian's Perspective
To illustrate, here's an actual comedian weighing in. This individual has years of experience and candidly discusses the impact of political correctness on comedy. Listen to their insights:
“In the past, a comedy show could make fun of anyone without any repercussions. But today, the bar has been set much higher. Comedians have to work harder to craft material that is both funny and respectful.”
“Comedy has evolved to be more thoughtful, and the quality of jokes is consequently better. If a comedian can’t handle the challenge of crafting jokes that are both funny and respectful, then they are not truly a comedian.”
“Free expression is still very much alive, it just requires more effort. Comedians are now faced with the challenge of writing material that is both humorous and socially responsible.”
Political correctness has indeed created its own set of challenges. However, it has also led to a more nuanced and inclusive form of comedy. The push to avoid stereotypes and offensive material has raised the bar for all comedians, encouraging them to work harder and smarter.
The final word on this matter remains open to interpretation. For some, political correctness is a stifling force. For others, it is a creative one. Ultimately, the quality of material is what truly matters, and in this context, it appears that political correctness has strengthened comedy, making it more thoughtful, diverse, and entertaining.