Comedians have to challenge the power. Comedians should be dangerous and devastating - and funny. That's the hardest part.
Interpretation
Comedians have a responsibility to push boundaries and critique authority while being funny.
In this quote, Mort Sahl emphasizes the unique role of comedians in society as not only entertainers but also as critical voices who challenge those in power. He suggests that true comedy should be bold, potentially controversial, and carry an impactful message, thus highlighting the fine balance between humor and serious critique that comedians must navigate.
In practice
During a comedy show, a performer could use this quote to introduce a segment on political satire.
Not everyone is comfortable with the kissing ritual. My husband is one of them. Her refuses to press lips with anyone except his wife, mother, and dog. If someone wanted to give him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, he would refuse until he had been formally introduced.
What I say is that, if a fellow really likes potatoes, he must be a pretty decent sort of fellow.
There's a thin line between to laugh with and to laugh at.
It seems to me that very sad things always contain an element of the comical
Last night, we did the Threatdown -- God, it's hard to even talk about this -- and for the first time, I didn't mention bears. It's winter, they're asleep, I didn't think it would be a problem. But today I see this in the Toronto Globe and Mail -- apparently a 700-pound polar bear showed up at a children's hockey game. I've said this before, they're after our kids -- they're tender, juicy, you don't even have to throw away the bones.
The New York papers have long known that no large question is ever really settled until I have been consulted.
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