Jerry Seinfeld makes shock U-turn on claiming ‘extreme left’ politically correct mob has killed comedy
As someone who has spent countless hours watching and laughing at Seinfeld, I must admit that his unapologetic approach to comedy is both refreshing and intriguing. Having grown up in the era of Seinfeld’s dominance on television, it’s hard not to appreciate the raw humor and wit that he brought to the table.
Jerry Seinfeld has recanted his assertion that a hyper-progressive group, often labeled as the “extreme left,” has essentially extinguished humor and comedy.
In April, the renowned humorist, aged 70, ignited controversy by telling David Remnick of The New Yorker that excessive sensitivity has spoiled comedy, stating that individuals are now overly concerned with not offending others.
Reminiscing about the past, the Seinfeld actor often recalls the evenings when folks would come home and tune into sitcoms like ‘Cheers,’ ‘M*A*S*H,’ or ‘All in the Family.’ It was a simpler time for laughter and entertainment.
‘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,’ he said.
In a humble turn on comedian Tom Papa’s Breaking Bread podcast, I, an ardent fan, have heard Seinfeld express his sincere remorse over statements he now admits were unfounded – not the words I’ve long cherished from my idol.
Regarding the disputed point, let me clarify: I did indeed mention that the far-left has stifled comedy. However, what I stated is not accurate; it’s untrue. It’s simply not true.
If Lindsey Vonn, being a renowned skiing champion, sets up the gates on the mountain, she’ll effortlessly navigate through them.
‘Whatever the culture is, we make the gate. You don’t make the gate you’re out of the game…
Is it true that cultures evolve over time? And have there been phrases or topics I once felt comfortable discussing that I now find inappropriate or unacceptable? Indeed, societal norms and acceptable discourse can shift rapidly, making it essential to stay adaptable.
‘The accuracy of your observation has to be a hundred times finer than that.
‘So I don’t think that as I said the extreme left has done anything to inhibit the art of comedy.’
Previously, Seinfeld expressed to The New Yorker’s Radio Hour that while many seek humor as a form of comfort, they struggle to locate it on television nowadays.
‘Nothing really affects comedy. People always need it. They need it so badly and they don’t get it.’
In simpler terms, Julia-Louis Dreyfus, one of his colleagues on Seinfeld, criticized him after his comments. She labeled them as a ‘warning signal’ or ‘red flag’.
In a conversation with the New York Times, the actress expressed her view that political correctness can indeed be quite “beneficial” or “excellent.
When people begin to criticize political correctness, I can understand their reservations, but for me, that’s a warning sign because it could indicate something more,” Louis-Dreyfus, aged 63, explained. “In my opinion, being considerate of certain sensitivities isn’t problematic. I just don’t know how else to put it.
Louis-Dreyfus garnered the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series a total of seven times. She won it once for her role in The New Adventures Of Old Christine from 2006 to 2010, and an additional six times while portraying Selina Meyer on Veep between the years 2012 and 2019.
Additionally, she was honored with an award for Exceptional Performance by a Supporting Actress in a Comedy TV Series for her role in Seinfeld (1989-1998), a popular sitcom where Jerry Seinfeld played the main character during its nine-season duration.
The celebrated actress expressed her viewpoint: ‘I think political correctness, when it stands for tolerance, is indeed terrific. At the same time, I have every right to express disapproval if someone says something that upsets me, all while acknowledging and respecting their freedom of speech.’
A person born in New York City acknowledges that some comedies and dramas from the past may no longer hold up under today’s standards, given the evolution of cultural sensitivity. This shift in societal values needs to be taken into account.
When directly questioned about Seinfeld’s views on political correctness, Louis-Dreyfus emphasized that comedy has undergone significant changes throughout the years.
Reflecting on comedy and drama from around three decades past, now viewed through today’s perspective, you may come across elements that don’t seem as appropriate today. Maintaining awareness of potential sensitives is not something to be overlooked. (This TV veteran with over 40 years of experience said this.)
As a die-hard fan, I couldn’t help but chime in when the ex-Saturday Night Live star mentioned that it doesn’t imply all humor vanishes just because.
Although Louis-Dreyfus shared the essence of the renowned stand-up comedian’s viewpoint, she explained her agreement by emphasizing that the sitcom was exceptionally unique instead of arguing it wasn’t politically correct enough for its time.
She went on to admit that it’s ‘good to be vigilant’ and keep up with the changing times and culture, citing how even some great films and television shows of the past can include beliefs and attitudes that ‘today would not be acceptable.’
She responded with a hint of skepticism, saying something like, “Given current trends, I’m doubtful if Seinfeld could be produced nowadays.” Or alternatively, “It seems unlikely that Seinfeld would fit into today’s network TV landscape.
Seinfeld is no stranger to criticizing those he sees as PC – ‘politically correct’ – mobs.
In the year 2015, he advised fellow comedians against performing at universities as they seemed excessively politically correct.
Nearly a decade on, I find myself echoing Seinfeld’s sentiments about the persistence of political correctness in network television. Yet, comedy enthusiasts like me aren’t deterred; we’re choosing to experience raw, unfiltered humor at live comedy shows instead.
Stand-up comedians will now be watched by the audience, as there is no one else to regulate us. The audience acts as our unofficial moderators. We can quickly tell when we veer off course, and make immediate adjustments. This is what Seinfeld explained.
Seinfeld explained that aspiring comedians must learn to navigate within the boundaries set by societal norms, drawing an analogy from skiing where skiers must pass through gates to succeed.
In a more casual tone, Seinfeld pointed out that the organic method of trial-and-error isn’t typically seen in TV executive meetings, as jokes are often scrutinized closely instead.
However, if a script is passed through several writers, committees, or teams – each offering their thoughts on a joke – then, unfortunately, that often spells the demise of the humor in it, according to him.
Currently, some comedians are pushing boundaries that amuse audiences, causing collective laughter as they do so.
‘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.]’
As anti-Israel demonstrations escalate on university campuses nationwide, Seinfeld, a person with Jewish heritage, encountered hostile protesters during the State of the World Jewry Address in New York City last February.
In simpler terms, during an event, journalist Bari Weiss spoke, and following her speech, Seinfeld encountered demonstrators who frequently shouted “Free Palestine” and “You’re supporting genocide” as he exited.
Seinfeld is seen waving at the hostile crowd as he gets into his car to drive off.
In an interview with The Times of Israel in December 2023, approximately two months following the conflict in Gaza, Seinfeld shared that he had resided and worked at an Israeli kibbutz when he was 16 years old. Since then, his affection for our Jewish homeland has remained strong.
He concluded by saying he would ‘always stand with Israel and the Jewish people.’
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2024-10-15 20:49