From: officialflagrant
The concept of cancel culture and its influence on public figures, particularly comedians, is a recurring theme in modern discourse. The term “woke mob” is used to describe groups perceived as enforcing social justice norms and potentially leading to the “cancellation” of individuals [00:00:25]. This phenomenon directly affects standup comedy and comedians under attack and contributes to controversies and dynamics in standup comedy.
Comedian Experiences with Cancellation and Controversy
One notable example discussed is a comedian’s brief tenure with Saturday Night Live (SNL), which was cut short due to past controversies [00:04:05]. While the situation was challenging, it is suggested that the SNL fallout ultimately helped the comedian’s career [00:04:11]. Another comedian, Francis Ellis, faced controversy for writing a “bad article” related to dead women, which also led to a form of public backlash, though he was considered innocent of any direct crime [00:36:19].
Navigating Perceived Offensive Content
Discussions among comedians often touch upon what is considered “PC” (politically correct) and what might be “triggering” to audiences [00:18:21]. One speaker clarifies that certain jokes, if perceived as “punching down” (e.g., making fun of individuals with Down syndrome), are not considered “cool” or acceptable [00:18:27]. The idea of being a “victim” in the face of criticism is also brought up [00:18:15].
Impact on Careers and Public Perception
Despite the challenges, the internet and platforms like YouTube have provided opportunities for comedians to bypass traditional gatekeepers and directly connect with audiences, allowing viewers to form their own opinions on a comedian’s talent [01:32:39]. Positive media coverage, such as articles in publications like The New Yorker acknowledging a comedian’s talent, can signify a shift in public perception following a period of controversy [01:32:53]. The overall impact of the SNL situation for the comedian in question is seen as ultimately beneficial [01:33:02].