Comedian Jerry Seinfeld recently recanted his previous comments about political correctness and its impact on comedy, during an episode of “Breaking Bread with Tom Papa.”
Back in April 2024, Seinfeld said that comedy was being destroyed by the “extreme left,” but he has since retracted these comments, stating that he no longer believes in that perspective.
Seinfeld clarified his position by saying, “I did an interview with The New Yorker, and I said that the extreme left has suppressed the art of comedy. I did say that. That’s not true. It’s not true.”
In his interview with The New Yorker, Seinfeld initially expressed his worries about political correctness affecting comedy, specifically focusing on the influence of what he characterized as the “extreme left.” He argued that these cultural shifts were making it harder for comedians to take risks and push boundaries.
Seinfeld criticized the trend of jokes being vetted by multiple individuals or committees, believing that it curbs creativity and reduces the effectiveness of comedy. He argued that this environment discourages comedians from exploring edgier material due to the fear of offending people.
The renowned comedian went on to explain that, though he once felt that changing cultural dynamics were hindering comedians, he now believes that artists can adjust and maintain their connection with audiences. “The game is, where is the gate? How do I make the gate and get down the hill the way I want to?” Seinfeld explained.
Seinfeld also debunked a persistent myth that he steers clear of college performances due to concerns about political correctness. “First of all, I never said it, but if you think I said it, it’s not true. I play colleges all the time,” he clarified. He went on to mention his recent performances at universities in Indiana and Kentucky, which went smoothly.
Seinfeld acknowledged that comedy and societal sensibilities naturally evolve over time. He explained that even though certain topics might now be off-limits, it doesn’t restrict comedians but rather encourages them to find innovative ways to engage their audience. He pointed out that comedians risk losing their relevance if they are unable to adapt. Despite shifts in societal norms, he stressed that comedy remains deeply rooted in sincere expression and astute observation.
