Comedy That Measures Freedom

The last phrase of the quote by Eric Idle is what really grabs my attention. In a free society, talent, cleverness and humor should not be restricted. It should be protected by law. Obviously, accusations, safety, and total defamation of character need to be considered. However, freedom is freedom, and in the marketplace of ideas, much should be allowed. Comedy has a special place in our society, and yes, one of its functions is to "measure freedom." The following is a quote by Eric Idle, regarding this subject. "At least one way of measuring the freedom of any society is the amount of comedy that is permitted, and clearly a healthy society permits more satirical comment than a repressive, so that if comedy is to function in some way as a safety release then it must obviously deal with these taboo areas. This is part of the responsibility we accord our licensed jesters, that nothing be excused the searching light of comedy. If anything can survive the probe of humour it is clearly of value, and conversely all groups who claim immunity from laughter are claiming special privileges which should not be granted." Eric Idle (1943- ) British Comedian