Jerry Seinfeld no longer believes the 'extreme left' has ruined comedy
Jerry Seinfeld has retracted his earlier assertions about the "extreme left" stifling comedy. In a candid chat with The New Yorker, he reminisced about the golden days of humor. He lamented the prevailing cultural tides, believing they hampered comedic expression. "Back then, you'd unwind with 'Cheers,' 'M*A*S*H,' or 'Mary Tyler Moore,'" he recalled. "Humor was a given on TV," Seinfeld remarked in April.
He once attributed this shift to the extreme left and political correctness, claiming it bred excessive caution. However, Seinfeld has since recanted those views. On the Breaking Bread podcast with Tom Papa, he confessed to misjudging the situation. He clarified that the extreme left hasn't constrained comedy. He also refuted claims of avoiding college gigs due to political correctness. "Untrue… I never made such statements… I perform at colleges frequently."
Seinfeld illustrated that comedians, much like elite skiers, must adapt to cultural shifts. "A skier like Lindsey Vonn can navigate any course," he analogized. "That's the essence of comedy." Comedians must navigate culture's gates, or they're out of the race. "Culture evolves, and yes, some phrases are now taboo," he acknowledged. "But the skill of observation is paramount for a comedian."
He emphasized the necessity of adapting to cultural norms, irrespective of personal preferences. "The extreme left hasn't impeded comedy," he firmly stated. "Whether I like the culture or not is irrelevant. My task is to adapt, akin to making the ski gates."
Seinfeld underscored the inherent challenges of crafting quality comedy. "Comedy is tough. Period," he noted. "Making a lucrative career out of humor requires immense effort."
He also addressed previous remarks about "dominant masculinity" in America. On the podcast, he admitted his wording was off. He clarified he missed the bold personas of yesteryears, like Muhammad Ali and Sean Connery. "These were my childhood idols," he reflected. "I aspired to their charisma and style. Now, conformity reigns to avoid offense." His comments were misconstrued as a call for toxic masculinity.
"We can do without the toxic elements, but vibrant personalities add zest," Seinfeld concluded.
