Comedy's Comeback: Why Cancel Culture Is Losing Its Power

Nate Jackson, a renowned comedian, believes that cancel culture is on its way out. He thinks people are getting tired of trying to silence comedians and are instead choosing to watch what they enjoy. With so many entertainment options available, audiences are simply moving on from performers whose jokes they don't like, rather than trying to end their careers.

Jackson's Recent Success

Jackson's recent stand-up special, "Super Funny," was a hit on Netflix, reaching the top ten list. His comedy style includes high-energy crowdwork and traditional stand-up material. He's also been touring with his "Super Funny World Tour." Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Jackson has been successful in the comedy world, even opening his own comedy club in Washington state.

The Peak of Cancel Culture

The comedian thinks that cancel culture peaked after 2020, with online mobs targeting public figures for controversial statements. However, he believes that even the most controversial comedians still have an audience. Jackson argues that viewers who don't find someone funny have plenty of other entertainment options and shouldn't waste time complaining about a particular artist.

Expressing Opinions vs. Silencing Voices

He also distinguishes between expressing an opinion about someone's art and trying to end their career. Jackson believes that cancel culture is about trying to silence someone, not just disliking their work. He thinks that people have the right to express their opinions about art, but they don't have the right to dictate whether or not someone continues to create.

Other Comedians' Perspectives

In contrast, other comedians like Dave Chappelle and Jerry Seinfeld have spoken out about the negative impact of cancel culture on comedy. Chappelle referred to it as "celebrity hunting season," while Seinfeld blamed the "extreme left" for suppressing comedy. However, Seinfeld later walked back his comments, acknowledging that his statement was not entirely accurate.

A Hopeful Future for Comedy

Overall, Jackson's perspective offers a hopeful view of the future of comedy, suggesting that audiences are becoming more accepting of different styles and opinions. He believes that comedy is about pushing boundaries and making people think, not about pleasing everyone.