Look Whose Laughing Now: The Rise of Conservative Comedy

Everyone in our family knows how to get my wife, Kristie, to laugh. It is the most predictable thing about her. She loves to laugh, like we all do. But it is when she laughs that causes all of us to laugh. She doesn’t care about the epic slapstick of movies like The Naked Gun or the dry humor of Napoleon Dynamite. But she does laugh at the expense of her self, or others. She loves mishaps and other unfortunate events that befall us and cause our face to blush.  If you trip, misstep, fall in the pool, or accidentally type something embarrassing in a text, she can’t quit laughing. I remember one time she was walking on a wood floor in the middle of the big crowd, she did not notice that the floor ramped up a foot foot or two, and she lost her center of gravity, and fell flat on her face. While she was embarrassed, her embarrassment brought her the greatest laughter that she could experience. It is a great characteristic when we don’t take ourselves too seriously.

The New Comedy Landscape

The modern comedian faces a conundrum: How to make people laugh without offending? In a world where political correctness reigns supreme, crafting a joke has become a delicate task. Comedians must tread carefully, navigating a maze of sensitivities and cultural nuances. This has led to an unexpected twist in the world of humor: conservatives, often seen as the more serious and stoic side of the spectrum, are emerging as the new masters of comedy. Whether it be the new “King of Late Night,” Greg Gutfeld (who’s ratings are much higher than any other late show) or the Evangelical Christian Babylon Bee (who far outshines the original satire giant, “The Onion”) conservatives have taken over comedy. Saturday Night Live has nothing to say anymore. Liberals simply are not funny. And it is not because they are liberal, but because they are scared of their own family. Heck, I have even seen Christian laughing at sexual jokes while liberals walk on eggshells around this subject.

The Tightrope of Humor

Today’s comedians must walk a thin line, balancing the desire to entertain with the fear of crossing invisible boundaries. The era of political correctness has stifled comedic creativity, and the fear of backlash or even cancellation looms large.

This stifling environment has given rise to an ironic situation: as liberals grapple with an increasingly complex set of rules governing what can and cannot be said, conservative comedians find themselves with more freedom to explore satire and push boundaries.

The Conservative Comic’s Edge

It might seem paradoxical that conservatives, often associated with traditionalism and restraint, are now leading the charge in the world of comedy. But the current climate has created an opening for voices that are willing to challenge the status quo.

Conservative comedians are finding success by daring to speak their minds, using humor to question societal norms and political correctness. This willingness to take risks and poke fun at sacred cows has resonated with audiences tired of overly cautious “comedy.”

The Importance of Laughter

Despite the political undertones, the rise of conservative comedy underscores a universal truth: laughter is essential to the well-being of society, no matter where it comes from. Comedy serves as a release valve, allowing us to confront all our many imperfections, inconsistencies, and human follies.

Satire, in particular, is a potent tool for reflection and critique. By exaggerating and parodying our world, satire prompts us to question our beliefs and behaviors. It’s a form of social commentary that encourages critical thinking and challenges prevailing norms.

The Healing Power of Not Taking Ourselves Too Seriously

Comedy reminds us not to take ourselves too seriously. It encourages us to see the lighter side of life, embracing our flaws and recognizing the absurdities in our lives. Without question, those who take themselves too seriously are the hardest to get along with. We all have these people in our lives, and we dread their company.

This willingness to laugh at ourselves, to recognize our shared imperfections, fosters empathy and connection. It’s a reminder that we are all human, susceptible to folly and error. Individually, it tells people you are authentic and not selling yourself like a used car salesman (a liberal probably couldn’t have made that joke!)

Conclusion

The world of comedy is undergoing a seismic shift. In many ways, conservatives needed this. They used to be the fear mongers, acting as if every smile has the chance of turning up the temperature of Hell. Now it is the liberals who are the Debby-Downers, sending people to the bottomless pit of frowning.
Conservative are seizing the moment, unafraid to challenge societal taboos and explore the boundaries of satire. We are no longer afraid to laugh at our own expense (and the expense of others).

The importance of comedy and the willingness to laugh at ourselves should transcend political lines. It’s a vital part of our societal fabric that promotes understanding, empathy, and connection.

In a time of division and polarization, let’s not forget the power of laughter. Let’s embrace the humor that binds us, regardless of our political leanings, and celebrate the comedians who remind us of our shared humanity. For in laughter, we find common ground, and in satire, we find the courage to question and grow. We all fall down. We must laugh at it in order to have sanity.