Want to Know What's Really Going on? Ask a Comic

Article Tools

Print

E-mail

Comments

RSS

Accompanying this satiric proliferation is the sense among politicians that it's better to take the slings and arrows than appear defensive or, worse yet, humorless. So pseudo news personalities like Stewart, Colbert, and Senate hopeful Al Franken can sit face to face with the butts of their jokes and ask leading questions.

Regardless of this growing mainstream prestige (or perhaps because of it), it's doubtful that the reemergence of confrontational political humor will ultimately affect public policy. Not only because there are comics throwing barbs back and forth across the political spectrum, but also because there's no hard evidence that a jokester has ever really changed the world.

As Kercher writes, though, satire is meaningful and effective when it operates cathartically, giving people a breather from the day's trials and reminding them that they are not alone in their disappointment or anger or fear.

And no matter what causes a citizenry's vague uneasiness, irreverence delivered underground or in full view of the president is a healthy reminder that raging against the machine is not only a lot of fun, it's a fundamental right-a right for which Lenny Bruce gave the last days of his life.

Sometimes laughing helps us block out the blackening white noise, or swells our chests with feelings of solidarity, or even inspires us to get up from our collective whoopee cushion to reengage with the outside world. And lately, as the Fourth Estate turns the word journalism into a joke, we've come to wonder whether those who make us laugh aren't the better watchdogs.

On the following pages you'll read about the modern-day legacy of 'Dirty' Lenny Bruce, meet a controversial columnist who twists a stereotype to challenge cultural assumptions, and learn about the incredible shrinking editorial cartoon. On the way, we hope you disagree vehemently, agree violently, and occasionally find yourself wandering outside your comfort zone with a smart smile onyour face.
-The Editors

RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print