The Hasan Minhaj Saga and Evolving Expectations of Truth in Comedy
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In September, The New Yorker published an article by Clare Malone titled \\u201cHasan Minhaj\\u2019s Emotional Truths,\\u201d fact-checking moments from the comedian\\u2019s stand up specials. The article reportedly cost Minhaj the hosting gig for The Daily Show, and\\xa0Minhaj posted a lengthy Youtube video responding to its claims.\\xa0The New Yorker has stood behind its story, even after Minhaj called it misleading. The scandal, which has been covered by almost every major news outlet, brings into question what audiences expect from comedians \\u2014 especially ones who do Jon-Stewart-style political commentary.
\\nThis week, Brooke speaks to Jesse David Fox, author of Comedy Book: How Comedy Conquered Culture and the Magic That Makes It Work,\\xa0about why the saga provoked such a strong reaction. Plus,\\xa0Fox explains\\xa0the changing role of truth in comedy: from the authentic acts of Lenny Bruce and Richard Pryor, to the vulnerability of Tig Notaro. Fox also notes that the fall from grace of Louis C.K., who\\xa0pre-#MeToo\\xa0was often proclaimed the "most honest" comedian, informs the rise of the hyper-performative, absurdist comedy of John Early and Kate Berlant.
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