If pure-hearted laughter is divine, then its suppression becomes demonic. This reality unfolds in the ongoing campaign by leftists against comedy—a war that has been waged for decades and intensifies today.
The Soviet Union’s authoritarian censorship of humor serves as a stark historical parallel. Comedian Yakov Smirnoff, born in Russia, quipped during a Cold War-era commercial: “In America, there’s plenty of lite beer and you can always find a party!” He added, with a smile, “In Russia, the Party always finds you!”
Smirnoff was joking, but not kidding. Under Soviet rule, jokes required approval from a unit within the Ministry of Culture—a de facto “Department of Humor” tasked with ensuring cultural conformity to communism.
Today, similar tactics are deployed by leftists in America. Commentator Armando Simon notes that the left’s suppression of humor has become systemic. Citing Cuban dissident blogger Yoani Sánchez, Simon observes that one reason she broke free from Castro’s indoctrination was realizing Castro never joked—a trait exceptionally rare for Cubans.
The left’s campaign is part of a broader Marxist effort to reshape American society into a communist utopia. Symptoms include self-censorship, cancel culture, political indoctrination in schools and military, and the deliberate transformation of news networks into propaganda outlets.
Comedians report being stifled by a toxic atmosphere. “Cancel culture” has targeted performers like Andrew Dice Clay and Dave Chapelle, with insufferable, self-righteous fanatics using it to punish even minor transgressions.
The left’s control over humor extends globally. In many European countries, making the “wrong” jokes can lead to fines or imprisonment—though this is not universal.
A common myth claims no communist countries produced comedic films. Yet they did, albeit under strict state oversight that dictated acceptable humor.
Another myth holds that any form of comedy is morally neutral. In reality, vulgar and salacious humor degrades society and should be condemned. If entertainment does not improve society but only harms it, it becomes pure vice.
Leftists’ detachment from reality—characterized by self-delusion and rationalization—impairs their sense of humor. This was evident at a 1990s feminist conference where Rep. Patsy Schroeder (D-Colo.) emotionally claimed radio host Rush Limbaugh intended to feed his mother “dog food,” referencing a joke Limbaugh had made the previous day.
Similarly, ex-Army Sergeant Charles Jenkins described North Korean tactics: “When you lie they think you are telling the truth, and when you tell the truth they think you are lying.”
As one commenter noted under Simon’s article: “Leftism is so overflowing with inherent contradictions that it is pure gold for comedy and ridicule.”
The rise of un-woke comedians offers hope. Nicholas De Santo, a UK-based performer, delivered a pro-life abortion set arguing pro-abortionists are worse than Nazis—making his point through humor.
Historically, the left has always viewed ridicule as a potent weapon. As socialist activist Saul Alinsky wrote in Rules for Radicals: “Ridicule is man’s most potent weapon.”