How does political correctness affect modern comedy?

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Political Correctness and its Impact on Modern Comedy

The landscape of modern comedy appears to be significantly shaped by the prevailing climate of political correctness, often referred to as "woke culture" and "cancel culture." This shift is frequently contrasted with the comedic styles of the 1980s and 1990s, an era perceived as more permissive in its humour, where making light of any subject or individual was common, irrespective of perceived taste or offensiveness. The implication is that attempting such humour today could readily provoke widespread online condemnation.
The Perceived Erosion of Comedic Freedom

The humour prevalent in the 1980s and 1990s, exemplified by the works of the ZAZ trio such as Airplane, The Naked Gun, and Top Secret, along with the films of the Farrelly brothers and early Adam Sandler movies like Billy Madison and Happy Gilmore, is characterised as low-brow and unafraid to be tasteless. In contrast, the current environment, influenced by heightened sensitivity around political correctness, is seen by some as inhibiting this style of comedy. The argument suggests that comedians today may face greater scrutiny, potentially leading to self-censorship to avoid backlash.
Defining "Woke" and "Cancel Culture" in Comedy

The terms "woke culture" and "cancel culture" broadly refer to a heightened awareness of social injustices and a tendency for public shaming or withdrawal of support from individuals or entities deemed to have acted inappropriately. In the context of comedy, this can translate into criticism of jokes that are perceived as insensitive, discriminatory, or offensive towards specific groups. This cultural dynamic creates a tension for comedians, balancing the desire to push boundaries with the risk of alienating audiences or facing professional repercussions.
The Debate on Modern Comedy's Daringness

There is an ongoing discussion about whether contemporary comedy is inherently less daring due to these cultural shifts. While some argue that the fear of online outrage and the demands of political correctness stifle comedic innovation, others suggest that comedy continues to evolve and find new avenues for expression. The emergence of films like Happy Gilmore 2 and the re-quel of The Naked Gun in 2025, which seem to embrace the spirit of older low-brow comedies, hints at a potential for such humour to persist and find an audience, even within the current climate.
The Enduring Appeal of Low-Brow Comedy

Despite the perceived constraints, the continued production and reception of films like Happy Gilmore 2 and the new The Naked Gun suggest that "low-brow" or "dumb" comedy retains its appeal. These recent examples, which incorporate elements and humour reminiscent of their 1980s and 1990s predecessors, demonstrate that audiences still respond positively to comedy that prioritises laughter, even if its comedic style is not considered sophisticated. The success of these films indicates that humour, regardless of its intellectual or artistic merit, can still resonate if it is genuinely funny.

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How does political correctness affect modern comedy?

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