Comedy, much like death, is the great equalizer. Of course, there are different brands and flavors of comedic flare that better suit individuals, but in comedy, we all laugh. It unites an audience, regardless of origins, gender, race, religion, class because upon entering a comedy show, we all understand that nothing is sacred. Comedy subjects everyone to be more aware of their surroundings. People are people, and people are funny.
That is why I am a major advocate for the Daily Show, as not only a comedic marvel, but as a political platform. Yes, it’s liberal-leaning, but like we find in all comedy, it has the grounds to make fun of all people. When comedy sees flaws, it exploits them, regardless of which people reflect those flaws.
Those held in the public eye are often perceived as untouchable, and satirical shows, like the Daily Show, dismantle this theory.
The Daily Show calls people out, and that’s why it resonates—it’s honest. It’s informal yet informed. Politically hopeless individuals are empowered to hear a voice so similar to their own on television. The absurdity associated with governmental actions, voices, and behaviors are molded into something about which we can laugh. Severity of realities are infused with some lightness.
Trevor Noah has the ability to gracefully straddle cultural boundaries, as he himself has many identities. In South Africa, he is colored. In America and England, he is black. His fluency in various languages, cultures, and backgrounds helps to spotlight new perspectives in a political show dealing with national and global affairs. He has the knowledge to support his commentaries, and the talent to render political discourse funny. Though there is an inherent bias instilled in satirical news, contrary to traditional journalistic standards, the medium is employed wisely. It reinforces, and offer different spins, on issues with which we are already familiar.
In its full disclosure and promise that satirical elements will be involved, the ‘news’ is automatically regarded with levity.
While he might not garner the same pull or dedicated fan base as Jon Stewart, the Daily Show still remains a vital component in contemporary sociopolitical conversation. People need a genuine leader, one who takes into account what the people are saying (something the government is usually unwilling to acknowledge). They are rogue correspondents, with the network to access these elite members of society without isolating the public. The Daily Show doesn’t change or define political landscapes, but it does humanize and dissect the world around us.
Thus, it is more difficult to offend in the comedic realm. It aggregates self-deprecation and playful mockery to create a truthful portrayal of how we interact, and how the world operates. Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, John Oliver, and Trevor Noah act as pioneers, carefully overlapping comedy, journalism, and politics to create a unique viewing experience. They allow us to laugh (not maliciously) at ourselves and others, and help make sense of the chaos that often ensues among governments. They are the true heroes of comedy.
