Late night TV called out uncomfortable facts by making light of them. Calling out an unflattering truth exposes glaring hypocrisy. Rather than acknowledging or making an effort to address the hypocrisy, the response here was to silence the voices calling it out.
Consider the role of the jester, and his cousin, the clown. The clown entertains using comedy, audience interaction, and physical stunts to make people laugh and bring joy. The clown provides fun, if not superficial, unchallenging, entertainment by focusing on physical gags and tricks. The jester, however, provides a more consequential role in society.
The role of a jester in sparking positive change lies in using humor and satire to challenge authority, speak uncomfortable truths, and expose the flaws of those in power.
Though often seen as mere entertainers, jesters historically occupied a unique position with "jester's privilege," a license to mock and critique without facing the severe repercussions that others would. This made them potent, though often subtle, agents of change.
Historically, jesters wielded influence within the court and beyond by:
* Speaking truth to power: Jesters could communicate harsh realities to rulers who were often surrounded by "yes-men" too afraid to contradict them. For example, after the French navy's destruction at the Battle of Sluys in 1340, King Philippe VI's jester delivered the bad news through a sarcastic joke, revealing the truth of the defeat when others wouldn't.
* Providing impartial advice: Unlike other court members seeking favor, a jester could offer rulers fresh, unfiltered perspectives on important matters of state. Their insight often helped heads of state gain perspective and make better decisions.
* Critiquing corruption and injustice: Jesters would often publicly mock corrupt officials, social norms, and the excesses of the ruling elite. This commentary, delivered through wit and observation, served as a subtle, yet impactful form of social critique.
* Exposing hypocrisy: Through their performances, jesters acted as mirrors to society, highlighting its flaws and the hypocrisy of its leaders. This prompted reflection among the court and revealed truths that went otherwise ignored.
Contemporary jesters take the form of late night comedians, animated shows, video memes created by everyday people on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, and more. By removing the role of the jester in society (and more broadly, free speech), those with power to do so are breaking all the mirrors. The proverbial emperor has no clothes, and without a mirror to reveal the facts, nakedness reigns supreme.
Once all the jester voices have been eliminated from society, all we are left with is a bunch of clowns.
