Stand-up comedian Nate Jackson, a rising star in the world of comedy, has recently voiced his belief that the era of cancel culture, which has been perceived as a threat to humor and creativity, is finally coming to an end.
Jackson's perspective offers a glimmer of hope for entertainers who have felt stifled by the fear of being 'cancelled' for their jokes or opinions.
In a recent dialogue with Fox News Digital, Jackson shared his insights on the current state of the entertainment industry. He suggested that the vast array of entertainment options available today has shifted audience behavior. Rather than rallying to end the careers of performers whose humor they find distasteful, viewers are now simply choosing to watch those they enjoy.
"No, I think that's kind of a wrap," Jackson stated when questioned about the ongoing threat of cancel culture. "Yeah, I think people realize that there is someone for everyone, and if someone's not for you, then just don't watch them."
Jackson's latest comedy special, "Super Funny," has been a hit, securing the third spot on Netflix's top ten list upon its premiere in July. The special showcases Jackson's unique blend of high-energy crowdwork, where he crafts jokes on the spot based on audience interaction, and his more traditional stand-up material. The comedian is also currently touring with his "Super Funny World Tour."
Jackson, who has been steadily gaining prominence in the comedy scene and even launched his own comedy club in Washington state during the peak of the COVID pandemic, told Fox News Digital that he sees clear indications that cancel culture is on the decline. He pointed out that even the most controversial voices in comedy have found their audiences. "The craziest person who has an opinion, [their] podcast got a following," he remarked.
He reiterated that viewers who don't find a particular artist amusing have a plethora of other entertainment options and should not dwell on their dissatisfaction with a specific performer. "So, if you don't like it, just swipe away from it," he advised.
The cancel culture phenomenon reached its zenith shortly after 2020, with 'woke' online groups targeting public figures who made contentious or unpopular remarks. These groups would urge others to boycott their work or call for an end to their careers. Comedians have been particularly affected by these efforts to limit their freedom of speech. Prominent figures like Dave Chappelle and Jerry Seinfeld have claimed that this trend has curtailed their ability to make certain jokes.
Chappelle, in his 2019 special "Sticks & Stones," referred to cancel culture as "celebrity hunting season," and declared, "This is the worst time ever to be a celebrity. Youre gonna be finished. Everyones doomed. Michael Jackson has been dead for 10 years, and this n---- has two new cases!" Seinfeld, in April 2024, lamented the decline of mainstream comedy, attributing it to the "extreme left" deeming much of humor too offensive.
Jackson offered his own interpretation of cancel culture, arguing that it is not merely a group of people criticizing certain jokes or artists. Instead, he sees it as consumers expressing their opinions, which they have every right to do. He believes that cancel culture truly manifests when consumers actively strive to terminate a person's career.
"You have a right to your opinion and [to] say if you thought somebody's art was good, bad, or whatever. Like, that's the point of art. You put your stuff out for the world to perceive. Cancel culture is, I saw your art, and now I don't ever want you to do it again.' You dont gotta like it, but you don't get to dictate whether or not somebody continues to do a thing. That's the difference."
Jackson's perspective on cancel culture provides a fresh lens through which to view this phenomenon. It underscores the importance of distinguishing between constructive criticism and attempts to stifle creativity or end careers.
As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether Jackson's prediction of the decline of cancel culture will come to fruition.
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