Tom Segura: Unapologetic

There’s something big going on in comedy right now. Seinfeld famously commented a few years ago that he would no longer play to college crowds because he couldn’t say anything funny without getting blowback. They all find something to be offended by. Now the pendulum is swinging back from the whole PC movement. Dave Chappelle's recent, controversial tour also comes to mind. 

Freedom to say anything has been the hallmark of comedy since, well, forever. Much of comedy is offense...to somebody. So, if you believe that you have a right to not be offended, then you have thrown a wet blanket over comedy.

    “If you didn’t like that joke, don’t think about it!”

    “I’m not bothered by offended people.”

Segura had a full treasure chest of comedic material available to him because he is not bothered by offended people. In fact, his maibox is busting over with hate mail. What else is left when you insist on correctness? Comedy so light that it's probably not terribly funny to anyone. 

Except for political humor. For some reason, this so-called right to not be offended does not seem to apply to American politics. Even for those who tow the line, all PC rules seem to fly out the window when it comes to idology. But I still don’t know where Tom stands on the political spectrum. And I like that. How refreshing it is to see a comedy sketch devoid of political ideology.

Like other comedy-greats, Segura had plenty of stories about his family, his wife & kids. Clearly, his act is drawn largely from his own real-life experiences as seen from the eyes of a comedian. While this is nothing new, he tells his stories with a genuine gust and charisma. They don’t sound rehearsed. Then there’s uncomfortable laughter.

To say that this was an R-rated show is an understatement. If you think it’s taboo, Tom will probably be willing to cover it. Masturbation, slavery, your parents’ sexual habits, gypsies, and even Down’s Syndrome were all fair game. Remember, Segura's schtick is in tickling that part of you that says, "that's so wrong," but you still want to laugh. Tom doesn't care that you're offended. No snowflakes allowed.