'Political correctness is killing comedy'
Says Mel Brooks
Mel Brooks has joined the chorus of voices warning that ‘political correctness’ is ruining comedy.
Speaking on Radio 4’s Today programme, the 91-year-old said: ‘We have become stupidly politically correct which is the death of comedy.
‘It’s OK not to hurt the feelings of various tribes and groups. However, it's not good for comedy.
‘Comedy has to walk a thin line, take risks. It's the lecherous little elf whispering in the king's ear, telling the truth about human behaviour.’
However he said there was one topic he thought inappropriatefor humour: ‘I personally would never touch gas chambers or the death of children or Jews at the hands of the Nazis. Everything else is OK.
Brooks reiterated his belief that his 1974 classic Blazing Saddles would not be made today because of its use of the n-word. But he said: ‘When bad guys use it, it should be used. ‘
He was speaking to promote the forthcoming West End musical version of Young Frankenstein, starring Ross Noble and Birds Of A Feather’s Lesley Joseph.
Early this month, Jack Dee told Radio Times that Britain was losing its sense of irony, saying: ‘There’s nothing you can say that won’t upset someone… If’s harder to convince people that you say something unappealing, you’re being ironic. We’re losing that.’
Published: 21 Sep 2017
