Julia Louis-Dreyfus underlined the need of considering how words may affect other people.
Famous for her part on the popular sitcom “Seinfeld,” Julia Louis-Dreyfus recently spoke with the New York Times and defended “political correctness” in comedy, going against the opinions of her former co-star Jerry Seinfeld. Though Louis-Dreyfus contended that being aware of sensitivities is good for comedy, Seinfeld criticized the influence of “PC culture” on the genre.
“I believe that it is not a negative thing to have an antenna about sensitivities,” Louis-Dreyfus said to The New York Times. She underlined that knowing possible offence might result in more considerate and inclusive jokes, not that humor had to be without humour or edge.
In a recent interview with The New Yorker, Seinfeld suggested that fear of upsetting others has stunted innovation and blamed the “extreme left and PC c***” for the seeming downfall of humor. But Louis-Dreyfus argued that the threat to artistic freedom is higher when studios and streamers hold a disproportionate amount of money and power.
As for her position on “political correctness,” Louis-Dreyfus said it’s “obviously fantastic” when it translates to tolerance. She feels that instead of limiting, humor possibilities might be enhanced by honoring other viewpoints and avoiding needless offense.
As she recognised the freedom of speech, Louis-Dreyfus underlined the need of considering the effects words may have on other people. With this strategy, she thinks, comedy can become more inclusive and meaningful and appeal to a larger audience.
The divergent opinions of these two comic giants draw attention to the continuous discussion on the place of political correctness and sensitivity in the entertainment business. Seinfeld sees limitations, but Louis-Dreyfus sees chances for development.