Zelenn Posted July 30, 2015 Posted July 30, 2015 So I was watching the video on The Drug of Socialism and I found the "drug peddler" and "whiny socialist" bits to be hilarious. I realize it was a serious presentation, but I've often found comedy a great vehicle for "dark truths." Anyway, I was wondering if Stef might consider doing an Anti Statist comedy show. The man has a way of being spot on and hilarious at the same time. Thanks.
Zelenn Posted July 30, 2015 Author Posted July 30, 2015 Thanks for the kind feedback. Isn't that what we already do though? Yes indeed. But those bits contained a "higher concentration of funny." :-) My father in particular (and I think many people are like him) is a man that appreciates stand up comedy and enjoys a comedian named Bill Burr. I hope he's been heard of here. Bill and Stef seem to be of a similar vein, (particularly Men's Issues, Feminism, Political Correctness), even if Bill Burr wasn't too kind to Stef in one of the stand up routines he did. Bill Burr has sparked some interesting conversations between my father and I by bringing to light these issues in an overtly comedic way. I think that men like my father are intimidated by great intelligence and overt philosophy, but by "breaking it down 3rd grade style" and using humor to show truth relationships, my father has broached many subjects with me that otherwise, he wouldn't have spoken about. I think a lot of people feel "intimidated and ashamed and like they could never understand" when men like Stef speak with intelligence and rigor, even about seemingly simple things, but those same people would be very easily accessed through stand up. Just my .02
shirgall Posted July 30, 2015 Posted July 30, 2015 It would be interesting to splice together the admonition to not laugh about serious things from older call-in shows with the gallows humor of some of the recent parodies of the brutal power of the state.
shirgall Posted July 30, 2015 Posted July 30, 2015 I don't think Stefan has ever said that people shouldn't/can't laugh at serious things - laughing about childhood trauma or sadism is certainly diffrent from the type of comedy included in the Handbook of Human Ownership. He certainly asked people "why are you laughing? this isn't funny". That's not telling people to not laugh, it's just shaming them for doing it. Not exactly a difference with great distinction. Stef's rants are great, but underneath it all I kinda feel like I'm the one with the nervous laugh that pokes fun at the state that claims to kill people in my name, and I sober up. I'm a big one for humor. I use it to shock people out of reverie. I use it to draw attention away from my own weaknesses... but if Stef did a comedy show, and I would hope it would be like the glorious days of George Carlin, and not his bitter, cynical, angry latter days, I would hope that he would bring people around to how it's not funny in the long run.
Zelenn Posted July 30, 2015 Author Posted July 30, 2015 He certainly asked people "why are you laughing? this isn't funny". That's not telling people to not laugh, it's just shaming them for doing it. Not exactly a difference with great distinction. Stef's rants are great, but underneath it all I kinda feel like I'm the one with the nervous laugh that pokes fun at the state that claims to kill people in my name, and I sober up. I'm a big one for humor. I use it to shock people out of reverie. I use it to draw attention away from my own weaknesses... but if Stef did a comedy show, and I would hope it would be like the glorious days of George Carlin, and not his bitter, cynical, angry latter days, I would hope that he would bring people around to how it's not funny in the long run. George Carlin! Love, Love, Love that man! Yes, if Stef is going to do comedy, which I think would be awesome, I think it would work best by portraying his material in somewhat the same manner as Christopher Titus. When Titus was performing his act (I am thinking particularly of Love is Evol), it was pretty obvious that his life and relationships were absolutely horrible and that he'd dealt with "some serious shit." His Dad was violent, his mother was crazy and she and Titus' sister killed themselves. There was a messy divorce where his wife took everything. It was just brutal. But Titus made it funny and drew attention to the fact that men can be the victims of their wives, that children get caught in the crossfires of divorce and insane parents, and that sometimes Dad is really "Anti Dad-- Here to dash your hopes and dreams!" Comedians like Burr, Titus, Carlin, Robin Williams etc have a way of calling attention to "real shit" that's hard to talk about without screaming. I think if Stef did a comedy show featuring a main character feeling sorry for himself and starts going down a wrong road with the "Socialist Drug Dealer" while having "pathetic, whiny unmotivated guy" as a work associate or roomate that undermines his efforts to improve his life, that it'd be pretty funny while also calling attention to just how these parasites in our environment get their hooks into a unsuspecting man and erode him from within. I guess now that's my .04 :-)
Susana Posted July 31, 2015 Posted July 31, 2015 Thanks for the kind feedback. Isn't that what we already do though? I saw the stand up Peter Schiff did, it was preety awesome. Made me forget all the times he was boring. lmao. I know before I found alternative media the only good options on youtube was "comedy" as in standup. What you guys do is keep it 100 (100%) all the time!!!!
utopian Posted July 31, 2015 Posted July 31, 2015 I think this is a great idea. For those of you who don't know Dave Chappelle, Dave is quite possibly one of the best comedians in recent history being offered 50 million dollars for his show, which he refused. Dave often creates comedy from truthful situations which, while very funny, are also thought provoking. I think blending philosophy with comedy is a great way to get more people into it.
shirgall Posted July 31, 2015 Posted July 31, 2015 He's certainly done this when people laugh when describing childhood trauma in an attempt to normalize it - or regarding laughing about sadism. Can you provide an example of what you're discussing? If you're going to accuse him of shaming people - which is a pretty strong claim - I think evidence is not just appropriate, but nessesary. I think you just did. When people call in, they clearly consider Stef an authority figure, and him saying something isn't funny is going to make them ashamed. I haven't heard him do it in a while, do you really need me to dig through the archives for something we both know is there? I think we both know Stef is not doing it out of vindictiveness. I'm not saying that dark comedy about philosophy can be inappropriate laughter out of vindictiveness either. I'm just pointing out the irony. 1
Kevin Beal Posted July 31, 2015 Posted July 31, 2015 There were a lot of really funny jokes in the Socking Misogynist Attacks Feminism, Defends Rape Culture presentation: (Great title, btw)
tasmlab Posted August 4, 2015 Posted August 4, 2015 So I was watching the video on The Drug of Socialism and I found the "drug peddler" and "whiny socialist" bits to be hilarious. I realize it was a serious presentation, but I've often found comedy a great vehicle for "dark truths." Anyway, I was wondering if Stef might consider doing an Anti Statist comedy show. The man has a way of being spot on and hilarious at the same time. Thanks. He did a comedy routine at Porcfest a few years back, a roast of sorts. I did a couple searches and can't find the exact one, but that might be clue enough if you are interested in looking around on Youtube. I think I listened to it from SchoolSucksProject.com
PatrickC Posted August 4, 2015 Posted August 4, 2015 I have to say that listening to Stefan in a recent call in show ribbing Michael about hitting middle age, was so funny I almost laughed out loud on my morning commute. I managed to level it to a huge grin, which was rather embarrassingly spotted by the lady opposite me. Happy belated Birthday anyway Mike! 2 1
PatrickC Posted August 4, 2015 Posted August 4, 2015 Hehe, thanks! The end of that show was even better IMO. Yeah didn't reach that far. Tomorrow morning I guess.. Mind you thanks for the heads up. I'll try to look (at the critical moment) otherwise engaged on my commute.
AustinJames Posted August 4, 2015 Posted August 4, 2015 My initial reaction was, "why would he do a comedy show? He already does something BETTER than a comedy show." Upon further reflection, however, I came to think it would be a good idea to get a half-hour together purely for the sake of humor. If Stefan did a standup "special," it may very well expand his audience and donorship. It should be easy to compile material from existing shows. Perhaps some volunteers could submit jokes for a concentrated comedy presentation. 1
PatrickC Posted August 4, 2015 Posted August 4, 2015 I agree Austin. We should load him up on coffee and the temptation of a dessert afterwards. I believe the risk of losing a potential (one off) dessert might bring about his best performance. 2 1
hannahbanana Posted August 5, 2015 Posted August 5, 2015 The video doing a parody of erotic fiction for SJWs was hilarious, IMO. Just small things like that are great.
Mister Mister Posted August 5, 2015 Posted August 5, 2015 if you guys like humor I would recommend the Free Speech Podcast with Gavin McInnes. He can be a little crass sometimes, but is libertarianish, really funny, and has a great variety of guests, from comedians to news anchors to former pimps to a guy who spent 9 years in prison for a blow job.
regevdl Posted August 5, 2015 Posted August 5, 2015 I understand where your point is coming from and sometimes Stef and Michael have me rolling on the floor laughing. My caution to do a more 'concentrated comedy bit' is that.... the comedian in that scenario needs the laughs all the time...meaning...reality can't set in too deep. it's pun after pun in order to be successful. And if that is the approach, then you can't really touch too deep on these really important issues, which misses the opportunity. Just think if he DID. we all know it would be great. you get the token 'sidekick' Michael in there and it's a hit. But then you are attracting people who only want shallow temporary relief. It would be the next George Carlin for sure but as I mention later....that didn't cause any actionable change in people. People need to stop expecting a Clown show. I love laughing as much as the next guy but I also understood that sometimes I need to take life seriously and not always need full time entertainment to be interested in something. It HELPS but that's part of growing and maturing emotionally and intellectually. Comedy is good to break the ice and over exaggerate a situation in order to make a larger point but in a 'bit' then that's as deep as it goes. Sometimes I like the feeling at the end of a show when I am left with this looming 'OMG' feeling because it sparks me to think and act. If I left high on endorphines from laughter then I would be less likely to act or process the 'doom and gloom' aspects further because the comedy was my 'relief' which IS useful at times. That is a diversion from reality, which there is enough of and why Stef's show is so refreshing. I am sure you notice how most people either in online chats such as FB posts or in real conversation cannot sit through an explaination that is more than 15 seconds long. I mean I haven't seen MSM for YEARS but you know what I am talking about. They have a guest on and it's 1 sentence or cliche phrase banters back and forth and then that translates to the format of discussion in real life with people who are obsessed or only know this format. Even George Carlin....amazing speaking a LOT of truths and powerful statements through the art of comedy....did it cause anyone to actually act? No and I'm not blaming George Carlin as I am sure his comedy awakened some people's mind. So everyone has their part. You have some of the comedians who make people laugh and might get a few of their fans to go beyond that but what I also appreciate about FDR is they give PRACTICAL solutions to everyday. A comedian can't and doesn't do that. I know your suggestion was out of love and support but really think that it's actually sort of demeaning of a format of its own kind and that acheives so much bECAUSE it's entertaining but moreso REAL and DEEP. I say that with loving criticism to you. And I has SO much appreciation for Stef's show in sharing philosophy ANd the call in show where people can discuss openly and without time restrictions or constant interruptions....it's VERY rare in society and we must treasure that and create a HIGHER demand from other podcasters (Josh Tolly and Tom Woods comes close as far as patiently allowing his guests to speak uninterrupted, but overall their shows are commercial based and time-limited to 30 or 60 minutes. But better than the mainstream 'talk shows' for sure. So again, I would really caution and sort of label your suggestion as 'withdrawl' symptoms of the status quo of spreading ideas and information. Stand up is the status quo. It does have it's purpose, but no full on revolution started from stand-up. Reality needs to set in. I like that I chuckle or laugh out loud maybe once or twice during a 3 or 4 hour podcast because if it were any more, then it wouldn't be getting deep enough into these issues and that's where the real answers and solutions lie. on another cautionary note, Some comedians (John Stewart) in MSM are seen as gatekeepers. Meaning, they will mock important points in order to dismiss them and then when society shifts towards acceptance of those points, then he jovially embraces them for laughs. It's quite insulting yet because everyone laughs it takes society a really REALLY long time to pick up on it. You have to remove yourself from it, away from the laughs and the instant-endorphines from laughter to really see it and once you do, it's quite sickening. 1
utopian Posted August 9, 2015 Posted August 9, 2015 Steph absolutely has a hilarious side. And for the record I miss the intros to the "youtube comments" videos as they were pure gold. 1
Dumitru Posted August 10, 2015 Posted August 10, 2015 Maybe laughter will be the trojan horse that will plant the seed of doubt into the minds of the people who are sort of unaware yet. The old man himself said the state isn't going to go out with a bang and wave of revolt, it's going to fade out with a roaring laughter during a late night comedy show, when people are going to wake up and realise the sheer stupidity of statism. Why not have it happen on his show? So yeah, I think an occasional dedicated comedy skit would be most excellent. PS, take this with a bucket of salt, but I think the greatest loss in the history of philosophy is the fact that there is no video to FDR584. I must've listened to it at least 50 times, and it still cracks me up
Shea Roberts Posted August 14, 2015 Posted August 14, 2015 The call-in shows are often full of comedy gold nuggets. The banter between Michael and Stef has me chuckling a lot. I can tell they're good friends who's senses of humor play well off of each other. Even George Carlin....amazing speaking a LOT of truths and powerful statements through the art of comedy....did it cause anyone to actually act? No and I'm not blaming George Carlin as I am sure his comedy awakened some people's mind. So everyone has their part. You have some of the comedians who make people laugh and might get a few of their fans to go beyond that but what I also appreciate about FDR is they give PRACTICAL solutions to everyday. A comedian can't and doesn't do that. I know your suggestion was out of love and support but really think that it's actually sort of demeaning of a format of its own kind and that acheives so much bECAUSE it's entertaining but moreso REAL and DEEP. I say that with loving criticism to you. It was actually George Carlin that originally got me to question religion, and therefore question everything else in my life which has led me to where I am today. I first saw one of his comedy bits on late night TV (HBO) back in the mid 90's. At the time I was a naive little kid who did what he was told and believed in god. I happened upon a bit that was critical of religion (I think it was the one about the old man living in the sky who will torture you, but he loves you) and I had never heard of anything like that before in my life. I felt shocked and ashamed to even hear it. So I turned off the TV. But about 10 minutes later I turned it back on and watched the rest. The rest is a slow deconstruction of my beliefs and thinking for myself. I'm sure I would have eventually gotten to that point, but I credit Carlin for introducing it to me. 1
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