The best of Real Time with Bill Maher season 16, part two
By Matt Moore
New Rule: The ‘What Were You Thinking’ Generation, April 13
Another new rule, another chance for Bill Maher to go after one of his favorite targets for criticism. That would be the idea of “wokness” and sensitivity especially when it comes to comedy. Similar to his discussion with Jordan Peterson on free speech, this issue was one that Maher really likes to sink his teeth into.
As a comedian, it’s understandable why Maher doesn’t want certain standards of political correctness applied to stand-up, movies, or television series that are intended to entertain audiences. After all, these are fictional premises about fictional characters. They do not exist.
By citing The Simpsons and the controversy over the character Apu, Maher makes the point that it’s useless to go back and try to apply the same perspective or standards to things created years ago. Any side of any argument can go back and find something to deem offensive. So then why bother creating anything new?
With this “New Rule” bit Maher is trying to bring some level of nuance to the discussion of political correctness and what is offensive. He calls for an ability to differentiate what is reflective of the times and what can be enjoyed regardless. If that can’t be achieved, then we may be doomed when it comes to any new, creative entertainment.