John Cleeseone of the founding members of the hilarious British comedy group Monty Python, recently spoke about the group and how they were “early targets of cancel culture.”
The topic of cancel culture came up in a recent interview with the Sunday Times as Cleese spoke about his new chat show on GB News Dinosaur time, which includes an episode focused on cancel culture. He explained:
“You could say we were the first targets of cancel culture. People don’t like having their cherished ideas punctured or challenged. We all love living in our own closed thought systems, being surrounded by people who think a little like us. This is what happens on the internet too, where you find these damn echo chambers. That’s why comedy is even more important today as a way to poke those bubbles, open them, let in fresh air. It’s good for all of us. The problem is that cutting-edge comedy becomes difficult if a joke that transgresses someone’s idea of good taste means the comedian is banned for life. It subverts the creative impulse.”
As you may know, the classic 1979 Monty Python film Life of Brian caused quite a stir after his release among some members of the Christian community. This is just one of many examples. Cleese was then asked if the comedy he was famous for in the 70s and 80s would work today, and this was his response:
“The trick with creativity is to understand that it’s not a talent, it’s a state of mind. You have to move away from fear and doubt. You need to get into a place of playfulness and curiosity so you can find connections and push boundaries. Cancel culture tends to make people less broad in their thinking, more literal. It’s harder to create fun – or intellectually interesting – associations. In cultural terms, it is dangerous. I’m so old I don’t worry about being cancelled. But as a young person, at first, it might be different.
Many comedians have spoken out about cancel culture in the past and how it is hurting comedy and creativity. Donald Glover he once talked about how entertainment is becoming boring because creators are afraid of being cancelled. Jerry Seinfeld There has also been a lot of talk about this over the years.
What do you think of what John Cleese said about Cancel Culture?
by Joey Paur
Source: Geek Tyrant
Lloyd Grunewald is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. He is a talented writer who focuses on bringing the latest entertainment-related news to his readers. With a deep understanding of the entertainment industry and a passion for writing, Lloyd delivers engaging articles that keep his readers informed and entertained.
