As a concept, art is extremely interesting because it encompasses so many different things. On the one hand, it’s very easy to view something as art. A painting is undeniably an artistic object. Performances can be considered art, too; dance and music certainly come to mind. Standup comedy is often described as art, as well. The comedian is putting together many different elements to generate entertainment and laughter from an audience. But unlike many forms of arts, standup comedy blurs the line between fantasy and reality. This makes it extremely powerful, but it could also make it profoundly controversial.
Like most storytellers, standup comedians draw inspiration from their lives. Unlike other forms of storytelling, the line between fact and fiction is blurred so well that it’s masked within the performance. This often doesn’t happen in other mediums (although their are exceptions). The line between fiction and nonfiction is generally very strict. Even stories that feature true life elements have parts of fiction that the audience can either pick up on or learn about later. This isn’t necessarily true with standup comedians as their stories are often embellished and exaggerated for comedic and dramatic effect.
Controversy arises when opinions — both personal and political — are shared on the stage. Comedians use their platform to speak their minds about any number of social issues. It’s how they communicate and express themselves through their art. However, jokes are often inserted into these monologues that may construe their actual opinions and beliefs. This is what makes standup comedy so special and yet so controversial at the same time. It’s an art form that preaches and role plays simultaneously. Comics are first and foremost performers. Their job is to put on a performance that draws inspiration from their real life but also fictionalizes it too. So it’s important to remember this subtlety when they are being criticized.
As a concept, art is extremely interesting because it encompasses so many different things. On the one hand, it’s veryCOMICONRead More