Comedy as a tool to educate

Last week we went to see comedian Doug Stanhope doing a show that will be taped for TV. Well, that is if there is anything in his set that they can show on TV. His material was prefaced by titles like "I hate the jews" and "Fun with peadophiles and pro-lifers". It was one of the funniest and ballsy shows I've seen in years.

I should explain that the titles above are mine but they are pretty much how he framed his jokes. He smacks you in the face with an outrageous comment then he leaves you to think about the deeper ramifications. After the show my wife remarked that the guy may well be a genius.

The "I hate the Jews" routine for example was about religion and not about a people. He was making the point that all religions should be viewed with the same suspicion, and if that religion is the means by which you define yourself, then you should be viewed with equal, if not more, suspicion. He has done tons of material in the past about Christians and Muslims and Mormons and to come to New York and do this material was seriously pushing the envelope. People were laughing so hard it was nuts.

He also did a great skit on the amount of anti-depressent and ADHD drugs that people are on these days. He framed the whole idea as one big conspiracy to keep people docile and stupid. The line I'll always remember was "I shit myself when my doctor told me I had a unique and interesting personality! Fuck you! At least Black people knew when they were slaves!". It was an amazing performance.

It's very unusual that a show will affect Me and my Wife in the same way, we went to a restaurant afterwards where we dissected all the ideas that he had talked about. It was crazy but we both felt like little seeds had been planted that allowed you to think that maybe everything you know is either wrong or at least needs to be re-examined.

If Doug Stanhope comes to a town near you. DO NOT MISS HIM.

*WARNING* The following video is not safe for viewing at work, or at home for that matter......