Jerry Seinfeld has stepped into the comedic arena with a concern that echoes throughout the world of comedy: the Left is sabotaging the sanctity of comedy.
While this might seem like a battle between political ideologies, it’s more accurately a tussle between the sane and the downright bonkers.
One of the rules of comedy is that it must punch “up,” meaning jokes should be directed at powerful figures and those perpetrating oppression, rather than their victims.
But can we change our tactics.
English comedian Ricky Gervais is one such performer who punches in any direction he pleases, often inciting laughter from his audience.
This raises the question: Why do so many comedians hail from Jewish backgrounds.
Seinfeld, a prominent Jewish comedian, stands firmly against the tide of controversy, embodying a broader historical narrative where humor has not only been a craft but also a coping mechanism for Jews.
In a history marked by upheaval and adversity—from overthrown kingdoms to pogroms and the horrors of the Holocaust—humor has endured and thrived, particularly among Jews.
This tendency towards comedy is deeply ingrained in Jewish culture, so much so that some surveys suggest it may be more important than religious practices for many Jews.
This embrace of humor transcends geographical boundaries as well, with Jewish comedians leaving their mark on stages from the former Soviet Union to Tel Aviv.
As a shield and sword against adversity, this cultural affinity for comedy has allowed Jews to laugh in the face of hardship and, by doing so, stand slightly more resilient, a bit more sane.
But where have classic comedies like “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” or “All In The Family” gone?
Seinfeld’s bewilderment mirrors that of audiences who remember laughing without reservation.
It’s not just in the United States that comedy is disappearing; original comedic content on BBC has declined by a staggering 40% over the past decade, according to Ofcom.
In this strange new world order where court jesters are held accountable for their jokes, one might wonder if the spirit of comedy can ever be revived or if it is doomed to become a relic, whispered about in hushed tones by those who still remember what it was to laugh freely without fear of the woke upraised finger waggling in admonishment.