May 02, 2010
Satiristas
Paul Provenza
Paul Provenza, the celebrated comic and critic, talks about his book Satiristas, which focuses on rationalist issues through the lens of transgressive and subversive comedy. He explores the social criticism of the biggest names in comedy, and whether their intelligence should instead be focused on public service. He describes why his background in comedy allowed the celebrities featured in his book to be so open and transparent with him. He relates the impact the interviews had on him personally. He talks about the nihilism of some of the leading comedians and satirists in America today, and shares his personal views about the ultimate meaning of life in a godless, naturalistic universe.
He talks about the motivation of leading comedians, and whether or not they intend to impact society with their comedic art. He talks about comedians who preach ideology, and great comedic artists like Tim Minchin who advance a particular point of view in entertaining ways. He argues that the leading comedians in the United States are like the spiritual descendants of the revolutionary Founding Fathers. He talks about Jay Leno and why he avoids controversial social issues in his comedy. He explores how aware the famous social critic comedians interviewed in his book, such as George Carlin and Craig Ferguson, are of their role in society. He explores the impact of Bill Maher, Janeane Garofalo, and Penn Jillette on American public policy. He also explores to what extent being “preachy” harms laughs. And he explains why leading comedians may be different from the common man, and how they embrace their differences, seeing the world in productive and unique ways.
Also, in this week’s Honest Liar commentary, Jamy Ian Swiss is flattered to have received an invitation to be included in a prestigious directory.
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Listener Reactions
Free speech ruins comedy. It’s too easy to say what’s on your mind, and comedy degenerates into vulgarity and shock humor, which wears off quickly.
Censorship, on the other hand, teaches understatement, irony, multilayered humor, all that good stuff
I think a lot of these social critic comedians aren’t intelligent or critical thinkers, as much as they are cynics who need something to ridicule. They can even be useful idiots and spout propaganda, like Bill Maher with anti-vaccine propaganda, Penn Jillette with Cato/tobacco/oil industry propaganda, Michael Moore with Cuban Communist propaganda, and Joe Rogan with moon landing conspiracy theories. It’s especially funny when multi-millionaires with their own radio and TV shows think they’re the little guy fighting the “system” that made them rich and gave them a podium.
Re: “The Honest Liar” segment: Fax spam is, in and of itself, illegal in the absence of an existing business relationship. Anything sold via fax spam or pre-recorded telemarketing call is highly likely to be a scam, since the promoters have already decided to violate the law with their marketing methods.
I’ve been listening to DJ’s podcasts for several years. Really enjoy this podcast. The Honest Liar segment is very entertaining.
Got a flyer (advance pun) a couple of days ago from the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry about a “Skeptics Toolbox” event.
In the flyer was a reprinting of the wonderful old poem “The Spider and the Fly.”
(Google if not familiar with it - it’s excellent.)
This reminded me very much of the current “Honest Liar” segment. As the poem was written in 1829, apparently attempts to educate against vanity scams are nothing new, either!
I’m so glad to have heard about this podcast from listening to the “Actually Speaking” podcast. Ever since Grothe disappeared from “Point Of Inquiry”, I’ve wondered whether or not I would ever hear his interviews again. This is great! Keep up the good work!
Have there been any new interviews since this one that should be uploaded? This interview is old.
When is a new episode coming out? Weren’t they supposed to be weekly? I miss D.J. and Jamy Ian Swiss!
@ Max - Joe Rogan & Michael Moore are definitely not satirists.
@ DJ - Please make another episode.