A stand-up comedian argued that comedians must be both ’empathetic and irreverent’
Bill Burr expressed his opinion on cancelculture and how that doesn’t impact his stand-up material in any way.
This week, the comedian appeared on The Pat McAfee Show and shared his thoughts on why he doesn’t worry about being “canceled online”.
Burr argued that “this is a time for being irreverent and also a moment to be empathetic.” “And you need to be able to do both. These extreme left and right-leaning people only make up about 15% of the population. You will eventually become more accepting if you are hardcore or extremist. It just feels like 85% of the country is on the right. When will dad and mom stop screaming at each others?
He said, “The truth is, I don’t do anything in mine that’s malicious.” “I am not going to harm anyone. Like, I also have full rights to say what I want and to say it how I want.”
Burr admitted that he had made mistakes but that he didn’t regret them. Most times, Burr said, “I don’t deny that I have made mistakes. If they approach me and have a valid reason for coming up to me, I will apologize. I am not going to apologize to them for telling a joke at a show that they were not attending.
WARNING – VIDEO BELOW CONTAINS GRAPHIC LAGUAGE
Other people have also discussed cancel culture. Al Franken, a comedian from Minnesota, has recently spoken out about his cancellation after being pressured to resign in 2018 following sexual misconduct allegations.
Franken stated that it was “a bit of shock” when it happened on CBS Mornings, referring to the allegations and his resignation. “This is me going back home to my roots.”
Franken was urged to resign by three dozen of his Democratic colleagues. Nine senators later admitted that their decision was incorrect.
Nate Burleson asked Franken if he believed he had been canceled. Franken replied, “I don’t know the vocabulary.” It was a moment in time when everything came together. I believe the nine senators have said exactly what I feel. This is why you should have an ethics investigation, especially in the United States Senate. This is what I requested and was not granted.”
Burleson followed up with Franken and asked him if he thought comedy should be free from “cancel culture criticism.” He cited the backlash against Dave Chappelle’s latest Netflix special for an example.
“Satire holds a very significant place. It is meant to provoke. It is meant to spark discussion. Franken stated that you offend often. It’s difficult to know where the line is and that people may have different opinions. Franken stated, “I believe we should be careful and understand the role of satire.”
Lin Manuel Miranda also addressed cancel culture, particularly past criticism and complaints about colorism.
Boom! Boom!” The director gave a long interview to The New Yorker in which he stated that dissenting opinions can often be misunderstood as cancellation.
You’re no longer the underdog trying hard to make it happen. It is important to get past the mindset that, “It’s a miracle” I managed to get something on stage. Because now, this is what you are expected of yourself. People say, “Yeah, but how about this?” That’s right! He explained that he does this with art he finds lacking. It’s not cancellation. That’s not having opinions. That’s why I try to keep it that way.
