"The Absurdity of Censorship: The Decline of Jokes in Society"

Kliph Nesteroff's new book, Outrageous, explores the history of show business and the culture wars, revealing that the idea of "cancel culture" in comedy is not a new phenomenon. From minstrel shows to canceled comics, Nesteroff traces the recurring controversies and politicized responses that have shaped the entertainment industry for centuries. He argues that while taboos have been shattered over time, the perception that comedy is being stifled in the current era is unfounded. The book highlights how the targets and language may change, but the outrage cycles and debates over what is appropriate to say remain constant.