Comedy should speak truth to power. It should always be aimed upward. When it's aimed downward, it's called bullying.
Interpretation
Comedy is most effective when it challenges those in power rather than targeting the vulnerable.
In this quote, Jimmy Dore emphasizes the role of comedy as a tool for social commentary. He believes that humor should critique and challenge authority figures and institutions, helping to reveal truths and injustices. When comedy shifts its focus to ridicule those who are already marginalized or weaker, it ceases to serve its purpose of enlightenment and becomes an act of bullying instead.
In practice
A comedian might use this quote as a rallying cry during a stand-up performance focused on social justice issues.
If you're using comedy to shame people for getting informed and questioning authority, you're not doing comedy, you're doing propaganda, 'cause comedy is supposed to poke holes in the status quo and challenge authority and question authority.
Nothing annoys people so much as not receiving invitations.
I think the best comedians have that bravery and courage to say, 'This is what it is. This is unfair; that's not cool.'
Jack: Actually, I was found. Lady Bracknell: Found? Jack: Uh, yes, I was in... a handbag. Lady Bracknell: A handbag? Jack: Yes, it was... [makes gestures] Jack: an ordinary handbag.
Anyway, it's like with bikes,' said the first speaker authoritatively. 'I thought I was going to get this bike with seven gears and one of them razorblade saddles and purple paint and everything, and they gave me this light blue one. With a basket. A girl's bike.' 'Well. You're a girl,' said one of the others. 'That's sexism, that is. Going around giving people girly presents just because they're a girl.
Perhaps I am just a coward who loves to laugh at life better than I do cry with it. But when I do get to crying, boy, I can roll a mean tear.
A new study shows that having a severe phobia can hasten aging. But what if my greatest fear IS aging?!?
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