The Truth and the Essence of Comedy

The definition of “essence,” is “the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something, especially something abstract, that determines its character.” The essence of comedy is creativity and insight. Comedy isn’t easily defined, yet we can all agree that it must include the ability to make us laugh. Does that comedy have to be truthful?  Right now, society avoids topics that are uncomfortable.  Everyone has the right to define for themselves what the essence of comedy represents. If that is true, should censorship still thrive?

In terms of creativity, originality will always be coveted by those who respect  the truth.  Truthfully speaking, many people don’t care about originality and don’t define entertainment by a predetermined standard of talent anymore. If something is liked, it is now appreciated for what it is.  There isn’t a “check list” criteria to determine what is great and what is not great.  Examine what was said in the book, Truth: How the Many Sides to Every Story Shape Our Reality, by Hector Macdonald. Who determines what realness represents?  Macdonald states that, “Everyone has an agenda, and it is only natural for communicators to select truths that further their agenda. But this can be done ethically or deceitfully: communicators can choose whether to convey an impression of reality that is in line with objective reality or one that deliberately distorts it.”  This scenario is definitely the case with comedians.  Evaluating comedy is not solely the job of agents, managers, entertainment executives, and club owners. Everyone has a voice, and should respect honesty as it relates to humor.

Mainstream media is sending a chilling message, as it relates to authenticity. The truth should not be punished, because it is a neutral phenomenon. Hector Macdonald further stated that, “Competing truths are morally neutral: like a loaded gun or a box of matches, the way they are used determines their impact. We will encounter competing truths used in all kinds of ways, for good purposes and bad.”  The new wave of sensitivity censors the truth, and the question is whether the truth is bad. The truth is not a statement of judgment. It is a fact that can withstand intense scrutiny. 

At critical times, the essence of comedy has been based on one’s ability to combine the truth and humor.  The book, Saving Truth: Finding Meaning and Clarity in a Post-Truth World, by Abdu Murray brings up a few interesting points.  For example, Murray states how, “In this soft mode of post-truth, the truth exists objectively, but our subjective feelings and opinions matter more. The second mode is “hard,” by which I mean a willingness to propagate blatant falsehoods, knowing they’re false, because doing so serves a higher political or social agenda.”  We are in a time where objectivity is avoided. Ideally, the stand-up comic is a central figure that brings the truth to light.  If the world can be changed through comedy, comedians who represents honesty, creativity, and bravery help bring anecdotal humor to people’s lives, time and time again.