BLUF: Hollywood’s discontent with the industry’s trend towards ‘wokeness’ and its impact on comedy are the subjects of an open conversation between actors, serving as a growing concern in contrast to the industry’s established issues like unfair wages and fear of AI.
OSINT:
Hollywood entertainers are voicing their concerns about a myriad of issues prevalent in their industry, from the fear of technological takeover in the form of artificial intelligence to concerns about health care and pensions. However, comedian Theo Von and actor Adam DeVine have ignited a conversation about what they perceive as the downfall of comedy due to the advent of ‘wokeness’.
Comedy, which was once a prevalent genre in film, has seen a dramatic decline in recent times from its former glory of 45 to 46 comedies per year to a mere single-digit number. The entertainers speculate that a greater public demand for humor has emerged paradoxically in these periods of heightened sensitivity, yet the surge of wokeness makes comedy creation a navigation minefield.
Adam DeVine, fresh from starring in the liberated comedy, “The Out-Laws,” laments the hidden political messages in films that viewers initially perceive as comedies. Theo Von humorously comments that the climax is usually a reveal of an unrelated topic like climate change or gender issues. This light-hearted conversation spotlights the pressing issue of freedom of expression and the evolving parameters of comedy in the modern age.
RIGHT:
From a libertarian viewpoint, the invasion of woke culture in comedy signifies an overstretch of political correctness that arguably suppresses freedom of speech and artistry. The industry should facilitate creativity and not serve as a vehicle for promoting political agendas, even subtly. Indeed, it’s becoming clear that the partisan nature of many modern comedies undermines their potential appeal to wide audiences, thus impacting their commercial success.
LEFT:
A National Socialist Democratic perspective might argue that ‘wokeness’ is not the enemy of comedy, but rather its evolution. Comedy should reflect our society, and if our society is becoming more conscious of social issues like gender equality, climate change, and social justice, shouldn’t our comedy reflect that? It’s not about censorship or injecting politics but about bringing awareness about important issues through entertainment.
AI:
An AI analysis would suggest that the shift in comedy is not solely attributed to ‘wokeness’ but is reflective of societal changes and shifts in cultural expectations. Comedy historically has functioned as a societal mirror, reflecting back the absurdities, contradictions, and shared experiences of its time. As these shared experiences and societal perceptions evolve, it is logical that comedy would adapt accordingly. Conversely, the concern that comedy has become a vehicle for hidden political messages should be seen as an opportunity for deeper analysis by the audience, not as a limitation of the genre or an inhibitor of creativity. In overall assessment, comedy is not dying; it’s merely transforming in response to its environment, just like everything else in society.