(PatriotSpotlight.org) – John Cleese, one of the founding members of the iconic British comedy troupe Monty Python, has said the group was one of the “early targets of cancel culture”.
In an interview with The Sunday Times, Cleese discussed the controversy surrounding Monty Python’s 1979 film “Life of Brian”. The film, set around the time of Jesus Christ’s birth, features the trials and tribulations of a young man who is mistakenly believed to be the Messiah. It received major backlash from traditionalist Christians over perceived blasphemy to the point where it was banned by jurisdictions in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.
Cleese explained to The Sunday Times that he believes Monty Python were “early targets” for what we call “cancel culture” today. He elaborated on the tendency for people to recoil from having their deeply held beliefs challenged, fostering closed systems of thought and online echo chambers.
Cleese emphasized the critical role of comedy in puncturing these bubbles and allowing fresh perspectives to permeate. However, he cautioned against the stifling effect of cancel culture on creative expression, particularly in comedy, where pushing boundaries and challenging norms are essential.
Addressing whether the humor of Monty Python’s heyday would resonate in today’s climate, Cleese underscored the importance of maintaining a playful and curious mindset, free from the constraints of fear and doubt. He added that such a mindset allowed comedians to push boundaries, continuing to say that cancel culture tends to make people “less broad” in their views and beliefs, instead forcing them down a “dangerous” path of narrow-minded thinking.
Cleese concluded that he was not concerned about getting cancelled due to age, but expressed worries for younger comedians in the early stages of their careers.
His comments came ahead of a move to British broadcaster GB News – renowned for its alternative opinions and controversial figures since its launch in 2021. While Cleese acknowledged disagreements with some of the channel’s presenters and controversies surrounding it, he praised the opportunity to exercise autonomy over content.
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