Join Lucy and I this Friday to discuss Comedy & Politics. Since the kings and the courts, jesters have had a freedom to tell the truth above the average citizen, through the medium of humor. What makes comedy such a powerful tool in the arena of truth telling? Join us Friday and find out! We are going to tawk the history of this phenomenon, famous political comedians such as Carlin and Hicks, and the reasoning behind why we are more comfortable jesting about politics, and much more!
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:00 PM
Hello! :)
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:00 PM
hey rachel!
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:00 PM
and hello audience!!
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:00 PM
★ Spotlighted from Blake Ian
“this is the first Tawk that I'll be attending live from the Tawkers iPhone app! ?”
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:00 PM
Hi Lucy! Hi audience! Hope everyone is doing well this Friday evening
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:01 PM
Quick note: if you have never done this before comment on the right and hosts can spotlight your comment into the hosting box, we love talkative people here at tawkers, as you may have guessed :)
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:01 PM
i feel special today - first our tawk is featured in the society section here on Takwers and now Ian is using the iphone for the first time with our tawk!
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:01 PM
we are pretty important Lucy, this I knew! ;)
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:02 PM
haha I love doing tawks with you because we get to see both sides of the pond, The U.S. and The U.K.
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:02 PM
well,this is very true!
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:02 PM
It can't be helped lol
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:02 PM
ok!
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:02 PM
Who is ready to tawk politics and comedy? I know I am!
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:02 PM
me me me me!!!
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:02 PM
Alright! :)
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:03 PM
So first I thought it would be fun to delve a little into the history of the "joker" / "jester" / or now the comedian
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:03 PM
Historically, the jesters have been one of the few that could bring up truthful topics, in the days of the kings and the courts, they were usually the only ones who could make fun of the king
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:03 PM
ooooo all i know of a jester,is that they would tell jokes or sing/dance.play instruments for royalty
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:04 PM
haha yes, the traditional funny looking guy with a three pronged hat and clown make up, balancing on a unicycle
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:04 PM
that's what I picture lol!
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:04 PM
wish some of todays comedians would wear those hats....
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:04 PM
Apparently there were two types of "fools" in the days of the kings and courts, the "natural fool" and the "licensed fool"
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:05 PM
haha me too, there's a reason their funny lol
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:05 PM
i never knew there were 2 kinds of fools
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:05 PM
the natural fool is more of this stereotypical "moronic" type of jester, where as the "licensed fool" was the jester who was a little bit more sly and would use comedy to tell the truth, when often it was not allowed
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:06 PM
me neither until this week! lol! research is a great thing :)
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:06 PM
I feel like these are the two types of comedians we see even to this day, wouldn't you agree?
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:07 PM
now that i think about it,yeah there are.
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:07 PM
the "joke telling" comics and the "political" ones...am i right?
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:07 PM
I know it's crazy! I never thought of it this way either, but you do, you have your smart comedians and the ones who you just go to for a cheap laugh
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:07 PM
yes!
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:07 PM
:)
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:07 PM
whoop! i got it right,sweet lol
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:08 PM
A+ for Lucy! *hands you a gold star*
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:08 PM
*blushes and curtsies*
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:08 PM
So the tradition of truth telling and comedy hasn't really changed that much in the grand scheme of things
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:09 PM
except that comic nowadays dont have to dress up in outlandish outfits..well,not all
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:09 PM
well, yes I think the smarter comics don't do that.. the ones in it for a cheap laugh might lol
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:09 PM
Larry the Cable Guy comes to mind, but maybe that's just how he dresses. haha
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:10 PM
(That was a bad example lol!)
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:10 PM
do you think its difficult for today "truth telling" comics to get their point across?
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:10 PM
hm yes I think it is. With so much more social media out there I think it is becoming more that you have to know who to look for
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:11 PM
because I think a lot of smart comedians aren't really in the eye of the mainstream media, so they get less exposure
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:11 PM
I think Carlin was really different in that aspect, he became a household name
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:11 PM
do you think its better for those type of comics not to be in the eye of the MSM?
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:12 PM
yes and no. I feel like, like in Carlin's case that was self-deserved I feel like if they can become well known and not compromise their morals and integrity the better to em! ya know?
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:12 PM
what do you think?
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:12 PM
Bill hicks is another example. He wasnt "loved" in the US as much as he was in the UK. we "got" him more,we understood what he was saying
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:13 PM
Oh yes! I want you to school me a bit on Hicks because I am from the U.S. and haven't really heard too much, but from what I know he was a HUGE influence on society and comedy in a lot of ways
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:13 PM
mmm carlin i guess didnt "sell out" as it were.
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:13 PM
what do you want to know about Hicks?
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:14 PM
I think there are good and bad things about being in the MSM's eye. Exposure is good, but a good political comedian probably won't be saying things that will go over well with the MSM
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:14 PM
For instance,did you know that his very last slot for the Letterman show was ut cos they thought is didnt fit in with their audience?
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:15 PM
all the other 10 or so times,he was fine.....
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:15 PM
the ONLY thing he changed was he cut out the swearing
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:15 PM
awful. see that's way sometimes it's better to have that underground audience, those who "get it" and will get as much out of it as the comedian wants
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:15 PM
ooh that would be tough, to me all good comedians are say a bad word or two... or hundred lol
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:16 PM
lol well if its part of their act,why change? but i can understand why some cut the swearing
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:17 PM
yeah national tv and all. I don't know I guess if I HAD to answer I would prefer all the smart comedians continue to do their thing outside the eye of the MSM... it gives them more power and allows them to say more things... especially harsh truths
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:17 PM
comedians seem to be one of the only groups of people who can speak harsh truths and get away with it
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:17 PM
see,thats probably why he did better over here. we dont care about the swearing. all we care about is if ya funny
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:18 PM
I need to take a visit across the pond someday :)
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:19 PM
So one thing that brought my attention to Hicks was this summer I believe his brother put something out about how his fans are still so connecting with Bill and his work and how he inspired so many people
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:19 PM
we do have a "watershed",where you cant say any swear words or show nudity
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:19 PM
let's now watch that, boring! lol
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:19 PM
yes. theres an anniversary thing going on on the 26th of this month. its 20 years since Bills died. and Hicks fans from acroos the globe gather
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:20 PM
let's *not oops spelling error
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:20 PM
i was gonna go but i cant afford it. plus with this storm coming i may not have been able to get off the island!
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:20 PM
political and smart comedians appear to have the ability to inspire so many people for so many different reasons, it's quite amazing! and they do it while making people laugh, what a gift!
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:21 PM
wait what storm?? hope you're gonna be ok!
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:21 PM
yes. what Bill,and for a large part Carlin,was saying was true then and its still true today. thats a mark of a good comic,i think
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:21 PM
espcially a political one
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:23 PM
I agree. So why do you think comedians have this "leeway" in being able to tell the harsh truths?
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:23 PM
I don't think that's how you spell leeway, but just go with it lol
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:23 PM
mmmm can i give you a quote?
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:23 PM
yes! :) quote away! I love quotes!
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:24 PM
"comedy is allowed to speak the truth at the times when corporate media is not and at times when the truth alone is too harsh to handle"
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:24 PM
probably the best quote about political comics EVER!
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:25 PM
yes I agree, love this quote!
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:25 PM
I'd say that in today's age it isn't unfair to say that the corporate media is sort in the place of the kings courts no?
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:25 PM
and it is so true too. comedy gives home truths,harsh scary truths,the permission to say something that the normal media cant.
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:26 PM
Who's quote is that? :)
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:26 PM
well it may like to think they are lol
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:26 PM
that was Lee Camp's quote
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:26 PM
not froma show,but from an interview he did
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:26 PM
ah! audience, if you want an awesome political comedian to listen to Lee Camp is one of the best I have heard in a long time
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:26 PM
★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum
“Better late than never!”
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:27 PM
Hi Jordan! :)
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:27 PM
Hey JB! glad you could make it :-)
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:27 PM
★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum
“Hi!”
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:27 PM
So what kind of "harsh truths" are too harsh for the MSM to air?
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:27 PM
give me some example Lucy :)
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:27 PM
gosh erm....
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:27 PM
hint: there are a lot! unfortunately.. .lol
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:28 PM
how about the abortion laws,low wages,police brutality...
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:28 PM
*Mainstream Media (MSM)
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:28 PM
so mostly political issues?
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:28 PM
★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum
“Douchebags”
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:28 PM
keystone pipeline,NSA - hello to eveyone at the NSA!....
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:28 PM
Exactly Jordan.
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:29 PM
Oh yes, is it that time of the day already?!? "Hey NSA!"
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:29 PM
well you also have other things like edward snowden,chelsea manning....
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:29 PM
gay rights
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:29 PM
but yeah i guess things that are political
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:29 PM
mhmm.. all of these important issues. I guess it might be looked at in a way that those in power control which issues people in the media can discuss
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:30 PM
just like the kings and the courts, the king controlled what could and could not be talked about
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:30 PM
plus i have noticed that the MSM dont talk about green issues either
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:30 PM
or is that just me?
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:30 PM
★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum
“They wouldn't have jobs in the MSM if they reported on those things...”
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:30 PM
not just you. they fund so many damn oil company ads and billboards and they can't fund ONE decent renewable energy one?? grr
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:31 PM
ha! they are told what stories they cna report
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:31 PM
How awful to get into journalism and think yeah! I'm going to help uncover inhumane acts and help people! And then to walk into the reality of it
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:32 PM
★ Spotlighted from Eric Goldsmith
“I'm watching this tawk from my fuckin iPhone ahhhhhhhhhhh ”
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:32 PM
Hi Eric! Thanks for joining us! :)
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:32 PM
they still could,just none of the big names in news would want to report on it
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:33 PM
exactly.
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:33 PM
thats why people like Dennis Trainor jr are vital
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:33 PM
so the burden falls to the "fool", the comedian, the one who can make you laugh and think all at once
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:33 PM
BUT if you laugh too much,you DON'T listen
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:33 PM
Lee told me that
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:34 PM
yes! I am really loving what I am seeing from alternative news lately, it's really great stuff and great people! And isn't that sort of the point? :p
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:34 PM
i am loving that side of the news too. much more "real".
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:34 PM
from real people
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:34 PM
oh yeah that's true. I feel like comedians who are big truth tellers get people laughing before they even know why they are laughing. it is quite amazing really, a visceral response if you will
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:34 PM
★ Spotlighted from Eric Goldsmith
“Can you share your alternative news sources and which ones u like ”
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:35 PM
democracy now is a great source
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:35 PM
alternet is another
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:35 PM
dennis trainor's show is a great source.
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:35 PM
RT,Breaking The Set
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:36 PM
Popular Resitance Report
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:36 PM
oh yes! Abby Martin is kicking ass and taking names! I love her!
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:36 PM
I also get a lot of my news from Lee Camp's podcast because I like my news to come with a laugh. :)
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:37 PM
yeah like little piggies and wooden tables...
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:37 PM
he needs more kittens and puppies tho
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:37 PM
haha! that seems to be the consensus
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:37 PM
ok, so I have this theory that we use comedy as a coping mechanism to help us deal with these issues that are often times hard to swallow
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:38 PM
★ Spotlighted from Eric Goldsmith
“Thx”
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:38 PM
★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum
“Agreed Rachel”
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:38 PM
sure thing eric. :)
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:38 PM
yup i can agree with that. even if its a little too early to be making jokes
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:38 PM
And the amazing thing is people don't even necessarily know they do this
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:39 PM
I think even when people go see the more moronic comedians they are using comedy as an outlet for their frustrations, just not necessarily in a healthy way
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:39 PM
political comics will take a subject and turn into something that we - normal people - can cope with. its like using euphemisms on speed
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:40 PM
whereas the smarter more politically charged comedians get you thinking, get you seeing the world in a way you might not have and getting you to laugh uplifts your spirit without ignoring the realities. it's a really powerful mechanism
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:40 PM
yes! and we need this SO MUCH!
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:40 PM
we as a people would benefit from MORE of this smart comedy
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:41 PM
I think it has the potential to really motivate people to DO something about certain issues too.
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:41 PM
moronic comics - as you call them - HAVE to be funny or you will turn off. but a politcal comic will latch onto a topic that will interest you. and yes,make you think. god i love political comics! lol
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:42 PM
and thinking is what the MSM and others dont want you to do.right?
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:42 PM
me too and ya know a few years back politics were the LAST thing I wanted to think about. it seemed out of my control as much as I wanted to change things. but learning of some great political comedians it was really an example, even talking about
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:42 PM
★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum
“Comronics”
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:42 PM
these things are so important
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:42 PM
you making up words now,JB?
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:43 PM
haha I like that comronics
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:43 PM
★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum
“Perhenske”
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:43 PM
oh i wish i knew what that meant lol
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:43 PM
me too.. what does that mean Jordan?
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:43 PM
lol
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:44 PM
maybe his iphone sneezed
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:44 PM
★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum
“Perhaps”
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:44 PM
oooooo nice word
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:44 PM
haha! wow they really do have a life of their own huh? or was it the NSA guy sneezing through his phone? it's a mystery haha
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:45 PM
dont worry JB,we all do it
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:45 PM
so when preparing for this tawk I was reminded of that age old adage, "you never talk about three things: politics, religion, and I can't remember the third
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:45 PM
sex?
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:45 PM
no that's gone the way of the dodo bird
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:45 PM
are you saying his iphone is bugged by the NSA? :-O
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:45 PM
haha I think all phones are Lucy, it's a conspiracy, LOL
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:46 PM
lo cheeky!
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:46 PM
but I think politics is such an iffy subject that comedy really is one of the only ways people can talk about these things without arguing with each other
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:47 PM
I'm trying to entertain, they have to tap us the least we can do is make it entertaining ;)
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:47 PM
well you also cant argue with someone if you are high.
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:47 PM
that's true
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:47 PM
unless it's over the last donut
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:47 PM
haha
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:48 PM
here ya go - http://youtu.be/qZqYV9KKOZQ
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:48 PM
so I think smart comedy really can help to pull people together and get them laughing at first and then truly talking about these issues
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:48 PM
and he NEVER smoked pot either but he wanted i legalized
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:48 PM
that's awesome. honestly even if you don'
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:48 PM
t smoke there are tons of reasons to legalize it
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:49 PM
hell yeah there is
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:49 PM
I may be partial, but facts don't lie did you know hemp plants convert like 10 times more carbon dioxide than trees? crazy fact
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:49 PM
★ Spotlighted from Paul Smith
“Goddamn but I love Bill Hicks though”
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:49 PM
anyhow.....i got all politcal cos of Bill,then i turned onto Lee. and HE got me so into all this stuff.
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:49 PM
Hicks seems great and he seems like my kinda comedian. I am planning on a lil comedy night tonight :)
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:50 PM
so political comedians really had abig impact on your life?
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:50 PM
if you are gonna start to watch Bill,start with Sane Man
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:50 PM
ooh thanks! :)
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:50 PM
I'm also going to watch this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_zwB6GLpo4
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:50 PM
yes it did. i never knew just how bad stuff was in the world. not until i opened my eyes
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:51 PM
that is hilarious and damn scarily true in what he says
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:51 PM
I hear ya, I stumbled onto one of Lee's videos last year and I was just mind blown. it got me angry first and then it got me to thinking what I can do to help out
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:52 PM
and of course tawkers is huge in that aspect! connecting with others who want to do the same
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:52 PM
it was his interview with steve hicks - bill's brother that got me into him.
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:52 PM
gosh yes! you never know just much people are against or for something till you start talking about it
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:53 PM
mhmm. and comedy is one of the first and best ways to break the ice
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:53 PM
i cant tell a joke to save my life tho! lol
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:53 PM
we have a few minutes left does anyone in the audience want to share a quote or video of your favorite comedian or give suggestions? :)
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:53 PM
I'm funnier unscripted lol
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:53 PM
yes,give us some quotes
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:54 PM
i'm always unscripted and unprepared...
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:54 PM
not to toot my own horn or anything lol.. it's more awkward funny lol
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:54 PM
yes me too. I always feel like the white rabbit in alice and wonderland "i'm late! i'm late!" lol
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:55 PM
lol wouldnt it more "wtf! wtf! "
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:55 PM
HAHA Yes that too
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:55 PM
some days are harder than others to deal with the seemingly random b.s. we are asked to put up with
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:56 PM
oh god yes. those days i just shut the world out. and come back later when my head is feeling normal-ish
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:56 PM
yes. or I try to go out and play with my nephews get out and remember the beauty in the world I am fighting for :)
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:56 PM
It's about that time folks, thanks for being here Lucy! :)
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:57 PM
and thank you for being over there! loved this :-)
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:57 PM
And thanks to the audience! :)
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:57 PM
Yes this was fun! :)
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:57 PM
you were a wonderful audience
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:57 PM
Remember there is truth in jest... and in the jester :)
LD
Lucy Dyer · 11:57 PM
Keep fighting!
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:58 PM
Have a great night everyone! :)
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:58 PM
Yes, always! :)
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:58 PM
★ Spotlighted from Paul Smith
“Thanks, it's a cool thing you're doing here.”
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 11:58 PM
Thanks Paul! :)
RM
Rachel McDonnell · 12:00 AM
★ Spotlighted from Jordan Birnbaum
“Nite you two!”