Comic Performativities

<p><em>Comic Performativities: Identity Internet Outrage and the Aesthetics of Communication</em> studies patterns of criticism and public debate in the relationship between humour identity and offense. In an increasingly reductive and politically charged debate right-wing pundits argue leftist politics has compromised a free and open discussion while scholars take right-wing critics to task for reifying systems of oppression under the guise of reason and respect. In response Goltz scrutinises twenty-first century comedic controversies the notion of political correctness and the so-called outrage machine of social media. How should we appropriately determine whether a joke is sexist racist or offensive?</p><p>Informed by communication performance and critical identity theory Goltz examines infamous controversies involving performers like Sarah Silverman Amy Schumer and Seth MacFarlane and the social media backlash that redefined these events. He investigates the ironic interplay between spoken word identity physicality and as a result the contrasting meanings potentially construed. Consequently the book encourages a greater appreciation of the aesthetics involved in comedic performance that help signpost interpretation and emphasizes the role of the audience as self-reflexive and self-aware. </p><p>This book highlights the significant parallels between the nature of performance art and comedic performance in order to elevate analysis of and discussion around contemporary comedy. In doing so it is an important critical contribution to the field of performance studies and cultural criticism as well as communication studies at both the undergraduate and postgraduate level. </p>