Would Monty Python Survive Today’s Sensitivity Standards? An Analysis
Comedy has certainly evolved over the decades, with UK standards for it being exceptionally high. This raises an intriguing question: would Monty Python, a show known for its groundbreaking humor in the 1960s and 1970s, resonate with today's audiences or would it struggle under the current climate of political correctness (PC)?
Un-PC Humor and Its Challenges
The original Monty Python sketches from the 1960s and 1970s were radically different from the sanitized versions many are familiar with today. It’s crucial to recognize that these sketches were considered un-PC at the time, and in a world where sensitivity to language and themes is paramount, they would likely face significant challenges.
No Place on Today's TV Northwest
First, it's highly unlikely that a show like Monty Python would even make it to the TV airwaves today. The very concept of such a show would likely be seen as too experimental and too risky by the current industry standards. The BBC, which originally gave the show the green light, would today be far more cautious. In fact, a show like Monty Python, featuring Cambridge graduates and their unorthodox ideas, would struggle to even make it past the pitch stage.
Beyond the Initial Engagement
Even if the show managed to get on air, its success would be questionable. The hit rate for successful sketches is notoriously low, and most of the original series would likely not survive a single series run. Today's viewers appreciate well-crafted, high-quality content, and remnants of the original series, filled with repeated and nonsensical linking, might bore modern audiences who prefer a more polished and refined experience.
Timeless vs. Dated Humor
However, despite its dated elements, some aspects of Monty Python are intrinsically timeless. A prime example is the classic sketch in "Now For Something Completely Different" where Neville Chamberlain returns triumphantly from the Munich conference, only to find he has lost the piece of paper that guaranteed peace. This sketch, created around 35 years after the event and distributed 50 years later, perfectly captures the folly of trusting Hitler's promises. It serves as a modern reminder of the dangers of naivety, much like the Emperor's New Clothes fable, where people would rather believe a lie than face the truth.
Non-PC Comedy and Its Potential Success
Despite its dated humor, Monty Python could potentially be wildly successful in today's world. The show’s un-PC nature, coupled with its overt and delightfully absurd satirical elements, might appeal to a niche market. The original, less refined versions of the sketches could attract viewers ready to embrace the more raw and unfiltered humor. The simplicity and directness of Monty Python's satire might even become a refreshing break from modern, often overly cautious comedy. In this vein, Monty Python could find its place in a world where authenticity and boldness are valued.
Keywords: Monty Python, PC Sensitivity, Comedy Standards, Satire Success, Monty Python Popularity