ALTERNATIVE comedy great Ben Elton says modern wokery is like Communist China under dictator Chairman Mao.
The creator of outrageous 80s comedy The Young Ones — who also wrote three series of Blackadder — says he does not like being told what to think by millennials.
Ben Elton says modern wokery is like Communist China under dictator Chairman Mao
The Young Ones creator says he does not like being told what to think by
Ben, 63, was viewed as a maverick when he burst on to the comedy scene in the 1980s.
His style of alternative comedy railed against mainstream funnymen of the time, who often relied on racist and sexist material.
Now, 40 years later, he is criticising today’s younger woke generation and insists there is less freedom of thought.
Speaking to the Radio Times, he said: “There is a whiff of Maoism in the air, the whiff of cultural revolution.
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“There is now a new way of thinking — and you will be required to think it.
“My wife came up with a good observation the other day.
“She said our generation was all about breaking rules and it seems like the younger generation is all about making rules.
“These are things you can no longer say, these are things you should now be saying.”
The Young Ones, which first aired in 1982 featuring hapless students Vyvyan, Rick, Mike and Neil, helped shoot Ben to fame.
He then co-wrote three series for unscrupulous character Edmund Blackadder from 1986.
Ben was discussing modern comedy as he prepared to take part in Channel 4’s one-off reboot of Saturday Live — the edgy stand-up show which launched his career — as part of the channel’s 40th anniversary.
He said the alternative comedy he and colleagues showcased always had a stance on specific subjects, rather than a blanket ban on anything which might be viewed as tasteless or offensive.
He said: “The one thing that was a feature of most new acts coming through in the ’80s was an active movement against racist and sexist comedy.
“We had a new mindset and wanted to find new ways to be funny.”
He added: “I take great pride that the language of The Young Ones and Blackadder is still part of the culture to this day.”
Elton’s comments come after his fellow alternative comedian, Absolutely Fabulous creator Jennifer Saunders, 64, said wokery would prevent her best known sitcom from being made today.
Last year, she lashed out at the joyless “small mindedness” that the BBC1 hit would be up against.
She said of today’s woke world: “I think it has changed comedy like what we used to make.
“I think we would probably talk ourselves out of most of it now.”
5 Elton lines that may need trigger alert
Elitism
‘Rah, rah, rah! We’re going to smash the oiks’ – University Challenge dig at ‘Scumbag College’
“Rah, rah, rah! We’re going to smash the oiks!” — University Challenge dig at “Scumbag College” in The Young Ones
Mental Health
Blackadder said: ‘He’s mad. He’s madder than Mad Jack McMad, winner of last year’s Mr Madman competition’
“He’s mad. He’s madder than Mad Jack McMad, winner of last year’s Mr Madman competition.” — Blackadder the Third
Transphobia
Nursie said: ‘A boy without a winkle? God be praised, it’s a miracle!’
“A boy without a winkle? God be praised, it’s a miracle!” — Queen Elizabeth I’s Nursie in Blackadder II
Homophobia
Dr Leech said: ‘Started fancying boys have you? Why should I complain, leaves more totty for us real men, eh?’
“Started fancying boys have you? Why should I complain, leaves more totty for us real men, eh?” — Dr Leech in Blackadder II
Dye debate
My daughter’s been asking to dye her hair - I gave in but trolls slammed me
Sexism
Lord Flashheart said: ‘Treat your kite like your woman. Get inside her five times a day and take her to heaven and back’
“Treat your kite like your woman. Get inside her five times a day and take her to heaven and back.” — pilot Lord Flashheart in Blackadder Goes Forth
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