Keller @ Large: We Need To Be Able To Take A Joke
BOSTON (CBS) - Joan Rivers was laid to rest in New York City Sunday, after several days of warm tributes from across the political spectrum. Which is interesting, because Rivers was arguably the most openly politically-incorrect public figure in the mainstream of American culture.
Rivers would say anything that came to mind without apparent self-editing, both in the context of her comedy and on serious issues, and not only got away with it, but prospered by doing so.
To me, this suggests that despite our modern-day obsession with political-correctness, and its insistence that no one ever say anything that might possibly offend anyone, we actually crave candor, and secretly admire those with the guts to practice it.
This is not to say that all bets are off when it comes to what you say, nor should it be.
To the extent that political-correctness enforces a sense of shame on people who might otherwise indulge in vulgar, thoughtless hate speech, it's been a good thing. And if it sometimes seems a bit much when people are punished for expressing un-PC thoughts, it does serve as a reminder that the First Amendment doesn't guarantee freedom from backlash against what you say, and never has.
Comedy is one of the few remaining parts of our culture where political-incorrectness is broadly tolerated, probably because the shock of hearing otherwise taboo speech is a major part of comedy's appeal. But I do think there's a yearning for more telling it like it is and less baby talk, in politics, and in other parts of life.
Thus, Joan Rivers, a Republican who never hesitated to lampoon gays, harpoon liberals or joke about race, was loved by Democrats, the gay community, and people of all races.
An aberration?
Or a sign that while PC may rule, deep down inside we all know we need to be able to take a joke.
Listen to Jon's commentary:
Keller at Large Sept 8 2014
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