I recently performed in an online fundraiser. This organization has booked me a number of times over the past few years. I have a nice relationship with the group’s director and each of the events have been successful-that’s why they kept bringing me back.
This most recent show, though, will be my last. They’ve told me they no longer need my services because there was a complaint about some of the language in this particular bit. Please watch the two-and-a-half-minute clip and let me know what you think.
The director of the organization was apologetic and said that the complaint was from a “younger and more sensitive” member of their team. But his team demanded that I not get booked again, and he had to abide.
It was a last-minute booking and I didn’t have time to vet my material with the group, which is what I do with corporate events these days. Ultimately, the words that come out of my mouth are my responsibility, and I accept that. Comedy is subjective and someone doesn’t need to look hard to find something offensive-especially at a work event, where expectations are different than, say, a comedy show.
In retrospect, what I disagree with is the “punishment,” which I don’t think fits the “crime.” Instead of being asked not to return-or cancelled, or 86ed, or whatever you want to call it-I think a conversation would’ve been much more productive. They could explain what they found offensive and I could learn from the experience. Win-win.
Being asked not to return doesn’t enlighten anyone and feeds into the cancel culture that we’re seeing throughout the comedy business.
Comedy has become much more mainstream in the last 15 years or so, and with the advent of RU-vid and smart phones, it’s much easier to access, which has changed the dynamic between comedy and the public. Previously, you had to seek out live comedy-many cities had only one venue-and make your way there, buy a ticket and a few drinks, wait for the show to start. You were invested in the show in many ways.
Now, you can pull a screen out of your pocket and watch a clip of anyone-and decide whether to thumbs-up them or cancel them. There is no investment of time or interest or money. And if a “younger and more sensitive” person is searching for something to be offended at-instead of being entertained by-they will surely find it. (For the record, the most recent complaints I’ve heard are from “younger, more sensitive” viewers who take offense at very specific words.)
If the rules of society (and comedy) have changed, I think we should have an open discussion about it, not a closed door. I’m tired of getting the plug pulled on me. These are some of the questions I would ask:
Who determines what the new “rules” of comedy are? The most vulnerable members of society, who may be triggered by certain words or ideas? Comedians, or other experts in the comedy industry? Or do we leave it to the HR department? Who decides?
I'm curious to hear how people respond to this.
23 фев 2022
