Mandel Comments About State Of Comedy
Comedy is under attack from the woke culture, according to famous comedian Howie Mandel. Mandel, who is not exactly known for edgy humor, appeared on the Stand Up World podcast this week and took aim at the woke attacks on comedians and their craft. He argued that limiting the subjects comedians can joke about stifles the art of comedy itself.
Mandel, who rose to fame through his appearances on shows like Deal or No Deal, believes that there are no limits to what comedians can joke about. In his view, telling comedians that they cannot use certain topics or materials is akin to telling a painter that they cannot use certain colors. To Mandel, this ultimately restricts comedy from achieving its full potential as an art form.
In addition to the limits imposed on humor, Mandel is also concerned about the impact of woke culture on the content of comedy. He argues that all humor comes from a dark place and that if something bad, embarrassing, or awkward does not happen, it is not funny. As someone who has struggled with OCD and depression, Mandel sees comedy as a lifeline, offering a way to cope with these dark moments.
Mandel’s comments come in the wake of numerous controversies involving comedians. In one high-profile example, famed comedian Gilbert Gottfried lost his job as the voice of the Aflac duck after making a joke about the Japanese tsunami that some deemed insensitive. Mandel points to this as an example of how the woke culture is stifling free expression and limiting the ability of comedians to push boundaries and challenge societal norms.
The America’s Got Talent judge also believes that the woke movement is losing power, thanks to the rise of comedians who are unafraid to challenge their narrative. By refusing to conform to woke standards, Mandel suggests that comedians like Shane Gillis, Bert Kreischer, and Ari Shaffir are bringing back the true spirit of stand-up comedy. According to Mandel, these comedians sell more tickets because they are not afraid to speak their minds and are not confined by woke restrictions.
The issue of woke culture and comedy is not a new one. In recent years, numerous comedians have faced backlash for their jokes or comments, with some being de-platformed or even canceled as a result. However, Mandel’s comments are some of the most high-profile yet, coming from a man who has been in the comedy industry for decades. This is sure to spark further debate and discussion about the role of comedy in today’s society.
On a lighter note, Mandel also used the podcast as a chance to remind listeners about a humorous incident that occurred on his own podcast. In February, he invited UFC chief Dana White onto his podcast, only for White to walk out after a fiery exchange. The incident has become somewhat legendary in podcasting circles, with both White and Mandel making no comment on what exactly caused the fallout. Nevertheless, it serves as a reminder of the volatile nature of comedy and the potential for unexpected moments to arise at any time.
It seems that no matter what your opinion is on the matter, the woke culture has had a profound impact on comedy. While some may argue that it has made the industry more sensitive and less able to push boundaries, others would point to the fact that it has made the industry more aware of societal issues and the power of words. Ultimately, only time will tell what the future holds for comedy and whether the genre will be able to withstand the growing influence of woke ideology.
In the meantime, it appears that Mandel and others will continue to fight for the freedom of speech and expression in the world of comedy.