1/ Why brilliant comedians can (will often) become out-of-touch cranks:
In their time they were considered acute observers but it was self-centered. Their acuity was only of their own condition and fortunately that reflected and thus resonated with their audience's experiences.
In their time they were considered acute observers but it was self-centered. Their acuity was only of their own condition and fortunately that reflected and thus resonated with their audience's experiences.
2/ For a new generation, they're still observing only themselves: their now out-of-touch, rich & famous & sheltered, selves. Back when young they lacked the ability to see the Other, but it wasn't noticeable because they were still of their generation.
3/ This lack of ability to see the Other is a lack of empathy, and now their inherent self-centeredness is glaring and offensive. The audience moved on but their skills didn't.
4/ Who doesn't fall into this trap: people who paid attention to others. Carlin & Pryor come to mind.
Who fails? Chappelle, Seinfeld, really almost all of them.
(Robin Williams had incredible empathy so he endured even when he never updated his material)
Who fails? Chappelle, Seinfeld, really almost all of them.
(Robin Williams had incredible empathy so he endured even when he never updated his material)
5/ Comedians, to be capable to endure the terrible conditions of a life on the road stand-up, are often fueled by a vengeful determination to conquer their tormentors, which - when young - were the same enemies as their audience's.
6/ Yet when they survive and thrive and rise to an older generation, their enemies change... to many of the people in their audience.
In general, it's beneficial when terrible people are no longer able to mask their antagonism. But it can be tragic when it's someone you liked.
In general, it's beneficial when terrible people are no longer able to mask their antagonism. But it can be tragic when it's someone you liked.
7/ @threadreaderapp please unroll.
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