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Do any of you look to Comedians for insight on political, religious, or societal topics? Or at least consider their opinions? Do any of you think comedians have their fingers on the proverbial 'pulse'? Or if that's boring, do you have a favorite 'bit' or comic?

MadHadderoll 5 Jan 18
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23 comments

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0

I don't think they have their fingers on the 'pulse' anymore than anyone else. Some of them, however, have a unique way of discussing it.

0

Absolutely. Carlin and Hicks are classics that not only made me laugh but taught me a lot of truths. These days I rely on the opinions of Jimmy Dore and Lee Camp just to keep me sane. Sometimes you just have to laugh at the utter madness of it all.

1

Carlin is my hero.

2

Bill Maher
Bill Burr
Jim Jefferies (sp)
Louis Black
The late George Carlin
Bill Hicks
Sarah Silverman
Dave Chappelle
Eddie Griffin
Seth MacFarlane
Ricky Gervais
Russell Brand
John Cleese

3

Bill Hicks ladies and gentlemen.

Love this.

3

Sometimes people are willing to swallow a little truth when they can wash it down with humor. Also, humor is a good way to disarm, bring down people's defenses. The current political climate in America might not be so great for the country but it is gold for commedians. I'm thinking people were telling a lot of jokes right before the Titanic went down.

Ha at the Titanic line. Though I think the late night shows in America are causing more dissent than good. I like club comics - specifically Doug Stanhope.

2

I think comedians are often be good at putting religion & politics into perspective, encouraging us to view from a different angle, to see the absurdity at times. Monty Python's Life of Brian a good example.A brilliant film yet highly controversial in its day.

Agreed. Ever see Bill Burr's helicopter story? Says a lot about character.

2

I think comedians do a great job of pointing out contradictions in a lot of situations. Making fools out of those in power or sacred institutions. George Carlin was the best in my opinion. Richard Pryor absolutely hilarious. Sarah Silverman is one of the best today. Bill Maher with his "New Rules". I didn't quite get Ricky Gervais at first but he is good. And someone who doesn't get mentioned very much, who I didn't understand for awhile, Russell Brand, really funny. I also love Lewis Black.

I really liked The Trews until he (Russell) got way too deep into the beast - he has repented, but I don't think he got a lot of his support back. I'll still listen though.

2

Bill Hicks anybody?

1

you bet George Carlin was right on the money and I really admire him.

I think Carlin was kinda funny but generally kind of dumb. If you listen to him enough, you'll hear it too.

well, I must be kinda dumb then because he makes complete sense to me.

@JeffMurray He didn't work his bits enough in the 90s if you watch him enough he gets formulaic.

no one is perfect and he was trying to earn a living.

2

George Carlin and Lewis Black are my two favorite political comedians.

Lewis Black man, havent seen his stuff in a while.

0

I think that comedians can confront people with the nonsense swirling around in the world without making them angry. George Carlin was my favorite but Jon Stewart, Bill Maher, Stephen Colbert, John Oliver, Ricky Gervais, Sarah Silverman, Chelsea Handler, Julia Sweeney, Luis Black, Jim Jefferies, and Eddie Izzard all come to mind. The interesting thing about these folks with the possible exception of Colbert they are all irreligious and most outspoken atheists.

gearl Level 8 Jan 19, 2018
1

At least the alt right hasn’t compromised free speech, with the Bill Mayer’s, Jim Jeffries, Ricky Gervais, Lewis Black, and the all time best, George Carlin. I’m not looking so much for insight, mostly enjoy their brilliant simplistic wit... can only help “believers” see the light.
Love Jim Jeffries and Carlin’s routines,... explaining how much god loves you... and if you don’t love him back he will burn you in hell for eternity...

Tomas Level 7 Jan 19, 2018

I'm for free speech in all it's forms, so long as the intent of content is not malicious - I think the left is getting progressively more dangerous in that regard. Thoughts?

Agreed, re left and progressive left seem to be trying to “strike out” at anyone who questions or is sensitive to a cause. @MadHadderoll

1

I really enjoy the works of Mr. Scott Meyer.

0

I think the comediens often hit the issues on the head and are dead on. The truth,especially when it comes to politics can be funnier than fiction it is so ridiculous some of the antics our elected officials pull.

4

I love the fact that comedians are using comedy to point out the absurdities of the current political horror show going on and bringing it to the masses that never watch a news show or pick up a news paper.

4

Yes. Love Trevor Noah, Stephen Colbert, John Oliver and Alec Baldwin’s Trump.

I actually do not like late night guys - the monologues overlap. Craig Ferguson was the last guy I really watched. Seth Meyers sometimes.

0

I think comedians tend to have a certain something, not sure what it is, exactly... outlook, perspective, insight, attitude... I think it's connected to pain and compassion somehow. Like.in order to understand what's funny you have to touch the pain in it? Just this inchoate sense I've always gotten. I love that, whatever it is.

Id much rather get my news and current events from Real Time than Out Front. Same news, more flavor, plus jokes. Just better.

1

I can't say as I do, and I can't say as I don't. I defiantly was George Carlin fan.

0

I look at comedians for entertainment... to take me away from politics, religion or social topics... whatever they can come up with about what's left... I will enjoy. They don't need to remind me the obvious. Like dissatisfaction with trump is like beating a dead horse.

4

George Carlin, Bill Maher, Saturday Night Live, and John Oliver are my fave comediens.

3

Definitely. But a lot of comedians use false analogies that, while hilarious, are not actually that insightful when examined. But comedy is a such a great way to break down barriers and really get people to think about something that they may have resisted before.

7

Definitely - they make us laugh at ourselves by pointing out obvious flaws we may not otherwise see. Case in point: George Carlin.

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