IS humour DEAD OR DYING in this WORLD ?

Question

Recently watched the latest Amnisty International Policemans' Ball on the telly. We felt it was abysmal and in sad contrast to the original Monty Python, Peter Cook etc., originals - they were funny - I realise humour is like beauty - in the eye and ear of the beholder, but this modern version was all about political satire as apposed to just good old plain humour.

There are some modern comedians and comediens that are talented but they weren't on this show - the skit with Chevy Chase was pathetic and just not funny and he has been in some hilarious movies!

Jack Dee's Lead Baloon is funny or new on the scene - the very talented Catherine Tate - both of these had the sense not to appear on this awful politically correct, lefty diatribe of so called humour!

People want to laugh at every day stuff - not be preached at - jokes about peodophiles even if it is against them are not humerous!!

Does anyone agree that most standup acts of today just don't measure up to their predecessors?

I realise being as it was in aid of Amnisty International there had to be reference to what this organisation stands for - but if they want to raise awareness and even better cash for their cause then one of the ways to connect with people is to make them laugh not make them more cynical and send them away with a nasty taste in their mouths. If you want people to buy the cds and videos of this event to pass on the benefits to the people you are fighting for, then surely the product should contain what it is advertised on the cover - namely HUMOUR ?

Funnily enough - Australian humour I sometimes find very funny - I like the Paul Hogan movies and some of the sitcoms are right-off-the-wall. I like there sort of redneck lowlife humour reminds me on another parallel of classics in our own past like Steptoe and Son or Rising Damp etc.,

Answer 1

Yes, I completely agree. While many present-day comics are entertaining on the SURFACE, they're nowhere near the level of the legends from the past. I'm no prude, but I get tired of obnoxious 20-something-year-old comedians prancing around on Comedy Central amid a virtual cloud of profanities, as if they thought "talent" was measured by how loud you can be and how many swear words you can use in one minute. And furthermore, it seems these days that if you're a famous comic, you can do just about anything and the chorus of pancake-faced audience members will just applaud like morons no matter what. Have you seen "Saturday Night Live" lately? It's not even funny, but the people tune in to see their favorite stars anyway.

While it may sound presumptuous, I feel that standup comedy is dying, or at least for me it is. These days I find the majority of my entertainment in books, Internet, radio programs, and a select group of TV shows like "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson" and "The Office." Comedy needs to get its act together.

Answer 2

I agree with you and Leroy! It seems to me that, nowadays, real humour has disappeared! New comedians either do too much or else they're more concerned about their appearance, how they sound etc. Their humour seems fabricated. Old time comedians were more genuine! Their jokes not so well studied, they were more natural about it. They were also pretty instinctive about their audience, new ones seem more emcompassed!

Answer 3

ever heard of carlos mencia? i imagine he's hilarious jeff foxworthy is powerful too oh and chris rock i have considered him carry out a pair cases, strong stuff. :) humor isn't lifeless you in hardship-free words gotta shop your eyes open and bypass through those you do not extremely look after.

Answer 4

You should hear Australian humour, it should be dead