The difference between comedians and the general public is that we are meant to be funnier. And when you've got politicians giving material so easy that the general public is doing it, what is the necessity of us anymore?
Interpretation
Comedians are expected to be funnier than the general public, but when everyday events become too comedic, their role feels diminished.
In this quote, Jim Jefferies highlights the expectation placed on comedians to bring humor to the world, emphasizing that their craft relies on being funnier than ordinary people. However, he points out the irony that when political events and social situations provide abundant comedic material, the need for comedians may seem less critical, suggesting a shift in the dynamics of humor in society.
In practice
In a comedy show, a comedian might reflect on how absurd politics can be, using Jim Jefferies' perspective.
I don't think comedy really does change people's minds; I think you can only get someone who is almost ready to change their mind. You can't change someone from one direction straight into the other, but if you get someone who is considering your view, and you make a good point, there's power in that.
People don't get angry at you for shock value. People get angry at you when you affect something that is at their core, whether it be guns or religion or whatever. Their belief system.
Only the unimaginative can fail to find a reason for drinking Champagne
When satire is aimed at the powerless, it is not only cruel - it's vulgar.
I don't know much about being a millionaire, but I'll bet I'd be darling at it.
If there is a better singer in England than Craig David, then I am Margaret Thatcher.
A tragedy is a tragedy, and at the bottom, all tragedies are stupid. Give me a choice and I'll take A Midsummer Night's Dream over Hamlet every time. Any fool with steady hands and a working set of lungs can build up a house of cards and then blow it down, but it takes a genius to make people laugh.
I think we're losing our sense of humor instead of being able to relax and laugh at ourselves. I don't care whether it's ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, or whose ox is being gored.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.