In a recent interview with BBC Radio 4, comedy legend Mel Brooks claimed that political correctness was killing comedy. While Brooks made it clear that he’s not against empathy in comedy, he’s worried that comedy is becoming less authentic in our “stupidly politically correct society.”
“It’s OK not to hurt feelings of various tribes and groups. However, it’s not good for comedy. Comedy has to walk a thin line, take risks. It’s the lecherous little elf whispering in the king’s ear, always telling the truth about human behavior.”
Brooks continued, saying that Blazing Saddles, one of his most famous and beloved works, could not be made today due to its racial satire and the risks that it took.
“Without that, the movie would not have had nearly the significance, the force, the dynamism, and the stakes that were contained in it.”
To be fair, Brooks was clear that there was one line that he thought should never be crossed: the Holocaust is never funny.
“I personally would never touch gas chambers or the death of children or Jews at the hands of the Nazis. In no way is that at all usable or correct for comedy. It’s just in truly bad taste. Everything else is ok.”
Now, there’s a lot to break down in Brooks’ statements, but the idea comedy is dying due to “PC culture” just isn’t true. Instead, fans are getting a more diverse pack of voices to choose from. Comedian Paul F. Tompkins (Mr. Peanutbutter if you’re nasty) thoughtfully disagreed with Brooks on Twitter, explaining that critiquing comedy isn’t a bad thing and that the best comedy always punches up.
Mel Brooks: “Comedy is the lecherous little elf whispering in the king's ear, always telling the truth about human behavior.” Is it?
— Paul F. Tompkins (@PFTompkins) September 22, 2017
Does Mel mean “court jester?” Because that guy was supposed to be the only guy WHO MADE FUN OF THE KING.
— Paul F. Tompkins (@PFTompkins) September 22, 2017
He was not the guy who made fun of the people for the King’s amusement.
— Paul F. Tompkins (@PFTompkins) September 22, 2017
I mean, I’m no medieval studies expert, maybe there was some lecherous elf telling the King that humans were stupid.
— Paul F. Tompkins (@PFTompkins) September 22, 2017
I guess he also told the King about all his lecherous thoughts? “What a piece of work is man! Also, look at the tits on that one.”
— Paul F. Tompkins (@PFTompkins) September 22, 2017
“PC Culture” is not “killing” comedy. There is still plenty of comedy. There always will be. Times change & so do comedy styles.
— Paul F. Tompkins (@PFTompkins) September 22, 2017
There’s plenty of edgy satire out there, stuff that takes on the powerful.
— Paul F. Tompkins (@PFTompkins) September 22, 2017
More people have voices now than did before. That’s good. Sometimes they’re going to critique comedy. That’s good.
— Paul F. Tompkins (@PFTompkins) September 22, 2017
Oh, and let me save you the trouble: “UH MEL BROOKS IS A LEGENDARY DIRECTOR, WHO ARE YOU, LOSER”
— Paul F. Tompkins (@PFTompkins) September 22, 2017
There is absolutely no doubt that Brooks is a comedy visionary who has left behind a legacy to be proud of, but it might be time for some new voices to come to the forefront. Diversity isn’t the death of comedy. It is merely another way to enrich it.
(H/T The AV Club)