'Every joke has a victim': Rowan Atkinson on cancel culture, 'Man vs Bee', and the essence of comedy

Rowan Atkinson, the mastermind behind iconic characters like Mr. Bean and Blackadder, has never shied away from a joke. But in a world that's increasingly critical of what's laughable and what's not, the 68-year-old comedian took a bold stand. Speaking with the Irish Times, Atkinson shared his unfiltered views on cancel culture and the importance of preserving the spirit of comedy. 

Rowan Atkinson on Cancel Culture

Rowan Atkinson, known for his ingenious comedic creations, has found himself musing over the boundaries of humor in contemporary society. "It does seem to me that the job of comedy is to offend, or have the potential to offend, and it cannot be drained of that potential," Atkinson emphatically stated, as reported by the Independent.

He went on to define a joke's essence by highlighting that "Every joke has a victim. That’s the definition of a joke. Someone or something or an idea is made to look ridiculous." According to Atkinson, humor should remain uninhibited, with only a minuscule number of subjects possibly considered taboo.

"I think you’ve got to be very, very careful about saying what you’re allowed to make jokes about," he cautioned, adding that even those deemed lower in society shouldn't be immune to satire. "In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything."

From 'Mr. Bean' to 'Man vs Bee'

With the release of his Netflix series "Man vs Bee" on June 24, 2022, Atkinson continues to entertain and challenge societal norms. The series humorously follows a man attempting to outsmart a cunning bee that wreaks havoc on an unsuspecting housesitter. This new venture falls in line with Atkinson's belief that comedy should be unapologetic, fearless, and, at times, offensive.

In a time when jokes can become battlegrounds, Rowan Atkinson's voice resonates with a powerful call to preserve the very essence of comedy. Whether it's Blackadder's sharp wit or the whimsical antics of Mr. Bean, Atkinson's work has always pushed boundaries. His statements on cancel culture and comedy's role in society remind us all that the freedom to laugh at ourselves and the world around us is a vital part of our human experience. Comedy might indeed offend, but as Atkinson so wisely notes, that's precisely what makes it so indispensable.

Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.