I was watching an HBO documentary on one of my idols, Mel Brooks. It was actually a compilation of BBC interviews done over the years. In an earlier interview he was talking about THE PRODUCERS and “Springtime for Hitler” and how audacious that project was. He was saying it was a great time for comedy because there were no limits placed on your imagination. You could go as far as you wanted to go.
And my response to that was, “Boy, not today.”
I can’t think of a worse time for comedy. Everybody has to be so sensitive, no one can ever be offended ever again. The slightest slight can label you a racist. The most innocent physical description can brand you as body shaming or sexist or objectifying. (See yesterday's post.)
I showed my 5 year-old granddaughter, ALADDIN on Disney + and it now comes with a long disclaimer warning of all the horrible callous racist things this cartoon contains. We’re not talking BIRTH OF A NATION. We’re not talking AMOS & ANDY. This is ALADDIN with Robin Williams. What once was whimsy is now “inappropriate.” But I guess not inappropriate enough since Disney still has the stage version and is raking in money hand over fist.
On my podcast, Joe Buck asked if I still do award show reviews? The answer is no. How do you do a snarky review when you can’t make fun of anyone’s appearance? When you can’t make fun of any of the addled celebrity presenters? If one of the red carpet commentators happens to be BIPOC you can’t point out any moronic thing he might say. Even you just transcribe word for word his idiotic question or comment you’re still a racist. So why review them anymore? Who needs the pushback and outrage over… well, nothing?
Not to mention how a slightly insensitive joke or Tweet from 25 years ago can now get you fired. Ain't that right, Mike Richards?
I look at the wondrous body of work we have from Mel Brooks and how today he couldn’t make any of his movies. None. He fearlessly made fun of everything. He had free license to take his imagination to the farthest limit. What young Mel Brooks is self-censoring himself today? Or not even bothering?
It’s not a matter of sensitivity. It’s a matter of lightening up. The world would be a better place if we laughed more. Especially now. And it wouldn’t necessarily be at the expense of embracing other cultures. As they say to the refs in the NBA: “Just let the boys play.”
from By Ken Levine
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