We live in a world where scammers get called “artists” but comedians, who write and perform, are still fighting for their place in the art world. How is it that a guy who sends you an email about a Nigerian prince can be a “scam artist,” but the person making an entire crowd laugh isn’t called an artist? That’s like calling the Mona Lisa a doodle.
Comedians work hard crafting jokes, performing them night after night, adjusting to audiences in real-time, and they’re still stuck in the backroom of art’s cultural house party. Meanwhile, a scammer from the internet is hanging out in the VIP section.
1. Comedy: The Forgotten Art Form
For years, comedy has been sidelined in the “art world.” Comedian Tiffany Haddish has commented on the disparity, saying, “I’ve worked harder at comedy than anything in my life, and still, people see it as fun and games.” Haddish, who has made her mark blending her life experiences with comedy, highlights how comedians are often overlooked in the artistic conversation.
Just look at how Arts Council England treats comedy. They threw comedy a bone with their Culture Recovery Fund but made sure everyone knew comedy clubs weren’t getting future funding. It’s like they said, “We’ll save you from drowning this one time, but don’t expect a towel afterward.” While scammers get documentaries praising their “craft,” comedians are still hustling for recognition.
2. The Art of Instant Critique: Comedians vs. Scam Artists
Comedians get instant feedback—sometimes brutally so. If a joke bombs, they know it immediately. As Eddie Murphy once said, “You know you’re not funny when they boo you in 12 different languages.” The stage is a place where you can succeed gloriously or fail epically, all in the blink of an eye.
Contrast this with scam artists. When you get that email from a “Nigerian prince,” do you reply with feedback on how they could have improved their scam? No. But for comedians, feedback is instantaneous and relentless. Every night is a test, and every audience reaction helps fine-tune the material. Scam artists get to hide behind anonymity. Comedians face their critics head-on—that is real artistry.
3. Standup Comedy: Society’s Mirror, Not Just Jokes
Comedy has always been a mirror to society. It’s not just about making people laugh—comedians often tackle deep, social issues in a way that other art forms can’t. George Carlin said it best: “The role of the comedian is to make the uncomfortable comfortable.” Carlin’s material, filled with sharp social critique, reflected the absurdities and injustices of society.
Look at modern-day comedians like Hasan Minhaj, who blends comedy with political commentary. Minhaj’s Patriot Act takes on racism, global politics, and immigration—using humor to digest complex topics. It’s art that informs, provokes, and challenges perceptions, all while making you laugh. So why isn’t it treated like other art forms?
4. But Wait—Scammers Have Galleries Now?
The perception of where comedy happens—bars, basements, and dingy clubs—plays a big role in why it isn’t respected like other forms of art. Yet, comedians like Ali Wong, who performed her iconic Baby Cobra special pregnant on stage, have shown that these venues foster real, raw, unfiltered connection. Wong said, “Comedy is where I can be exactly who I am, flaws and all, and that’s where the magic happens.”
Scammers, on the other hand, don’t have to step into uncomfortable spaces or engage with their “audience.” They hide behind fake emails, and somehow, that earns them the title of “artist.” Meanwhile, comedians work with minimal resources—a microphone and a spotlight—and create magic in real-time.
5. The Evolution of Standup: From Clubs to Cultural Commentary
Standup comedy has always adapted to reflect the cultural zeitgeist. Joan Rivers, known for her acerbic wit and fearless commentary, once said, “Comedy is truth. If you’re funny, you’re telling the truth in the ugliest way possible.” Rivers’ ability to mix humor with raw, uncomfortable truths challenged societal norms and opened doors for other comedians.
Today, comedians like Hannah Gadsby are further pushing the boundaries of comedy as cultural commentary. Gadsby’s Nanette was a game-changer, using comedy to discuss trauma, identity, and the very nature of humor itself. Gadsby remarked, “I broke comedy because I realized I was using it to hide.” That’s not just jokes—it’s an evolution of storytelling that demands to be seen as art.
6. Comedians: The Real Artists of Adaptation
Comedy, much like sculpting or painting, is a constant process of refining. Jerry Seinfeld famously said, “The more I edit, the bigger the laugh.” A comedian’s set isn’t a static thing—it’s shaped by every performance, every audience reaction, every pause. It’s like chiseling away at marble; each performance makes the piece sharper, clearer, and more defined.
Contrast that with a scam artist. Once that poorly written email is sent, there’s no tweaking it. No refinement. It’s sent out into the digital ether, never to be corrected. Meanwhile, comedians are constantly refining their material, like Seinfeld shaping his jokes to perfection. Who’s the real artist here?
7. The Future of Comedy as Art
Comedians are increasingly using platforms like podcasts, YouTube, and social media to break out of traditional venues. Take Trevor Noah, who’s used his platform to blend comedy with cultural critique on The Daily Show. Noah says, “Comedy is a tool for conversation. It opens up topics that are difficult to talk about in any other way.”
If comedians are pushing boundaries, driving conversations, and creating cultural movements, isn’t that the definition of art? Scam artists may get more credit than they deserve, but it’s high time comedians received their due recognition.
As Sarah Silverman once said, “Comedy is like music. You hit the notes, and sometimes you hit them right on time.” Comedians are out here playing their instruments on the hardest stage possible, and it’s time we called them what they are: artists.
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