by Matthew Bright
The state of comedy in Trump's America has done what some comics have been saying since the election; It has given lots of ammo, the memes are hilarious, and who knew there were so many orange based skin jokes.
Trump has made politics something you can not ignore. Saturday Night Live has found its stride, Alec Baldwin as Donald Trump and Melissa McCarthy as Sean Spicer have become mainstays for the sketch show. The Presidents Show on Comedy Central where comedian Anthony Atamaniuk plays Donald Trump is beginning to find its way. The Daily Show with Trevor Noah for liberals, and conservatives have, here's an Atlantic article to explain it: (https://www.theatlantic.com/
The state of comedy in America is setup for a few types of comedy to navigate. First and foremost comedy that takes on social issues like race and gender politics.
Dave Chappelle and Louis C.K.'s newest specials are what come to mind.
It's also giving some shock jock material out there to double down on racism, sexism, and bigoted content claimed to be done all "in the name of comedy" or creating a PC culture. Amy Schumer and Bill Burr comedy special comes to mind as well.
Some elements may have always existed however, Trump's America may have amplified the magnitude and magnified the visibility of those positions to levels our generation hasn't seen. Shifting our attention to sensitive or potentially offensive routines that didn't have such a huge spotlight on it like it does now.
In my opinion, it's the ability to make the mundane feel layered, interesting, and overall hilarious. Slapstick things like drunken nights and weird sexual encounters are easy places to navigate and win because it's safe. I've heard the line "I'm a good white" far to often on stage, but it's a clear sign that comics understand the social climate since Trump becoming president.
It seems to affect their approach, and comes off as a lazy way to say jokes they couldn't get away with prior to his election. They can feel the sensitivity in the room and would rather call it snowflake mentality rather than be bold, brace themselves, and perform their set. Yes I'm talking about straight white males. Get over it. Show me in your jokes your socially liberal not in a one word phrase for cheap laughs. If you're more of a conservative comic, good luck and own that shit.
At this point I'm glad comics have stop saying give him a chance, they have created quite the sour note to look back on in their comedic career. The worst sentence to ever be uttered to tell a joke about how #45 (Government Cheese) MIGHT build a wall, that won't lead to much. Also liberal jokes stating we have to fuck our way to equality.
That makes integration sound so appeasing, thanks Becky and Sebastian. If we want equality to be found we have to objectify and sexualize people of color, that'll get it done. Then we will use sports to unify us, that's going so well right now.
State of Comedy in Trump's America is probably what some may have expected; Chaotic, confused, cautious, full of people walking on egg shells, and others not sure why making jokes about dating black guys don't come off as edgy.
I caught up with a few Chicago comedians about the subject. Comedian Abi Sanchez said "I find the state of comedy in Trumps America shameless, a crutch, and an easy opportunity for mediocrity in the Era of "Woke."
He referenced the sketch on SNL with Chris Rock and Dave Chapelle at a house party watching the election results of the 2016 presidential campaign with Democrats saying "That was important, hilarious, and bubble bursting reality in the "woke" era. It showed people something P.O.C.'s have been saying since, I don't know, pick a generation and go forward."
Comedian Calvin Evans chimed in during the conversation saying, "That evil could bring unity" Calvin said. "This type of climate socially in comedy can bring people together." Using comedy as an uniting force sounds fair Calvin.
Tucker Millett, a political leaning comic said "There's a frustration in Trump's America with the ease of political jokes" Tucker said. He added "Sometimes the jokes literally write themselves. I grew up with an Obama Presidency and you had to work a little harder then. This, sometimes the joke is right there." Tucker wants a challenge, Trump's America is providing a sparring target.
Comedian Jarrell Scott Barnes said "I believe it's the duty of the comic to uncover the truth." He then added, "It's our responsibility to let them (our audience) know the good things. Let them know: It's your truth." Speak your truth and let your audience decide. Right to the point.
I want to thank the comedians for taking the time to be apart of the conversation we've begun here at MaashBoard Sessions and Maash Media. Look out for a follow up with the woman's perspective of The state of comedy in Trump's America within the week.
Tell us your thoughts on the state of comedy in Trumps America in the comments.
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