Not so Friendly Humor?

Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing in ‘Friends’

Comedy is actually a more complicated subject than people realize. Great comedians make it look easy (that’s why they are good comedians). But the truth is, even the greats like George Carlin who made every show make it seem like he was coming up with everything on the fly- spent hours meticulously planning every moment of his shows.

So sadly, about a week ago, a childhood icon of mine passed away. Matthew Perry drowned in his hot tub. The man had a life of turbulence despite his fame, or maybe because of it- but it included drug and alcohol abuse. I won't lie, I debated ordering his memoir which now is a best seller (I oddly find it sad for authors when this happens after they are dead) but he was a big part of my adolescence- we weren't allowed to watch TV at Choate (things apparently have gone downhill)- but I would babysit for my softball coach, and Friends and Ice Cream was how he and his wife would pay me (In retrospect, I was not a good negotiator- but at the time it seemed like the best deal ever). But allegedly Matthew was clean at the time of his death, which makes it all the more tragic. Actually, that’s weird to say- its always tragic when people go before their time.

BUT- Despite that weird aside, I read a very interesting article today which got me thinking. In Episode 5, Season 7 of ‘Friends’ - Monica calls Chandler (Matthew Perry) a ‘Drowning Moron’ but it’s sweet because she says ‘He is my drowning moron’ (Click the video link- and I highly recommend everyone try and watch the episode)

As the article I read pointed out- studio execs have actually in the past adjusted episodes of ‘Friends’ because the content is seemingly outdated or insensitive in current times (I am mostly referring to edits they made due to 9/11). But here is my question I would like people to weigh in on- comedy often brings up uncomfortable topics. For example I think I know more about Amy Schumer’s vagina than I do my own. At first I found it hilarious, now I seriously don’t want to hear about it- and she is incredibly talented. Dave Chapelle can walk his way out of what some would consider some controversial statements on the LBGQT community was his humor (actually the last special I watched this weekend, he almost seemed to double down- but in an oddly funny way).

But should you? There are many sitcoms and jokes that are outdated, and in today’s world might appear insensitive. But, they existed- is erasing them completely going to change anything or make the world better? I found out in my research that Mel Brooks’ ‘Blazing Saddles’ gives a writing credit to Richard Pryor. It was considered funny at the time, but it has raunchy jokes about questionable topics and there is an argument that now young audiences will find it to be racist. Again, I pose the question: should younger audiences be taught to understand the humor or do you just ban it completely?

I was devastated to learn one of my childhood favorite TV personalities was gone- and how it happened. But isn’t the bigger point of the scene about love and despite it all- acceptance of the flaws of your companion? I don’t know if I want it to be erased- but would love to know your thoughts.