Ricky Gervais on Class, Comedy, and Evolving Sensibilities
ricky Gervais is sparking conversation ahead of the December 30th release of his latest Netflix special, Mortality. The comedian recently addressed the changing landscape of comedy and societal sensitivities surrounding humor. He’s notably noted a double standard in how different groups are treated in jest.
Gervais observed that while audiences readily understand power dynamics and condemn prejudice based on race, gender, or sexual orientation, criticism of the working class often faces little backlash. He believes it remains surprisingly acceptable to mock those from less privileged backgrounds.
Though, the comedian acknowledges that times have changed and his approach to humor has evolved. He states he would now be more inclined to use trigger warnings for potentially sensitive material.
Despite this shift, gervais maintains he doesn’t regret past jokes. He emphasizes being a product of his time and creating content for that specific moment. He would likely approach things differently today, but doesn’t feel the need to revise previous work.
This discussion arrives amidst renewed scrutiny of Gervais’s earlier comedy. Ash Atalla, a producer on the original UK version of The Office, recently shared his evolving outlook on jokes made at his expense.
Atalla, who uses a wheelchair due to childhood polio, previously encouraged Gervais to reference his disability during a 2001 British Comedy Awards acceptance speech. He initially felt the joke was a way to stand out and even contributed a line to Gervais.
Now, Atalla admits to questioning whether he “sold a bit of himself” in that moment. he wonders if centering his disability was the right choice, even if it initially garnered attention. He acknowledges a recent shift in his feelings about the incident.
Furthermore, gervais recently publicly disputed a claim that Transport for London (TfL) rejected advertisements for his vodka brand. TfL has sence responded to his assertions, adding another layer to the ongoing conversation surrounding his public persona and creative choices.
What does this mean for you, the comedy consumer?
* Comedy is evolving: What was acceptable yesterday may not be today.
* Context matters: Understanding the time a joke was made is crucial.
* Reflection is crucial: Even comedians are re-evaluating their past work.
* Sensitivity is increasing: Audiences are more aware of the impact of humor.
Ultimately, Gervais’s comments and the surrounding discussions highlight a broader cultural conversation about the duty of comedians, the boundaries of humor, and the ever-changing nature of societal norms. It’s a reminder that comedy, like society, is constantly in flux, and what makes us laugh – and why – is always open to re-examination.
