Why is comedy looked down upon?

Somehow society perpetuates the idea that comedy in general is lowly, even contemptible. This attitude seeps out in the language; "Are you having a laugh?" is an accusation, "some joker" is a synonym for an idiot, and to be "laughable" is never flattering.

Also, the most lauded artistic achievements are generally lacking in humour, and heavy on the tragedy; films like Schindler's List will always win the Oscars, Picasso's Guernica is one of his most highly rated, and comedy is pretty much absent from a music critic's list of favourites.

So why is this?

Because people who work in comedy are fools.

Because they haven't seen me in action yet

Quote: Mike T @ July 6 2009, 12:59 PM BST

Because they haven't seen me in action yet

View original

Having sex?

Having sex and doing comedy.

Not so much of a stand up, but more of a kneel down?

exactly
It's called a revolution

Schindler's List is full of comedy and Life is Beautiful won an oscar as well. Shakespeare's and Chaucer's humour is remembered centuries later.

Good comedy is seen as an artform in the same way the Spice Girls aren't.

Hey I played Bottom and that's a funny part.

Quote: sootyj @ July 6 2009, 1:31 PM BST

Good comedy is seen as an artform

View original

Though to be fair, they don't hand out Oscars to films like Anchorman. There should be a best comedy film Oscar I think, because Will Ferrell, or whoever else, could come out with the funniest film ever made, and it still wouldn't get the nod!

Well neither did Diehard or Debbie does Dallas both milestones in their own genre.

Comedy doesn't get the recognition it deserves

Quote: Jason Kindred @ July 6 2009, 1:49 PM BST

Why does it matter if a film gets an Oscar nod?

View original

It doesn't matter.

It's the approval of the critical establishment I suppose.

But as a writer I'd rather have 50 million squids then a blow job from Germaine Greer.
And what was the last Bookerprize winner that wasn't pants.

Quote: sootyj @ July 6 2009, 1:49 PM BST

Well neither did Diehard or Debbie does Dallas both milestones in their own genre.

View original

I would say you're being obtuse there Sooty.