Book Review: 'Outrageous: A History of Showbiz and the Culture Wars' argues history repeats itself
“There is nothing new under the sun.”
ByKRYSTA FAURIA Associated Press
November 27, 2023, 12:10 PM
This cover image released by Abrams Books shows “Outrageous: A History of Showbiz and the Culture Wars” by Kliph Nesteroff. (Abrams Books via AP)The Associated Press
“There is nothing new under the sun.” So goes the adage which conveys the tendency for history to repeat itself.
It’s this unstated premise that drives Kliph Nesteroff’s latest book, “Outrageous: A History of Showbiz and the Culture Wars.” In it, Nesteroff artfully seeks to demonstrate how current catchphrases like “cancel culture” and “political correctness” are just variations of the same generational and ideological divides which have undergirded American society throughout Hollywood’s history.
Nesteroff turns his attention to comedians in particular, citing the ways in which they have historically been unique targets of the culture wars.
His arguments are cogent and his histories entertaining – how is it possible that “vaguely defined spirit of the times” is not a quote about wokeness, but instead a denunciation of critiques levied on comedians more than half a century ago?
Still, it’s worth noting that Nesteroff began his career as a comedian, which perhaps betrays an inherent sympathy for the prophetic martyrs who have frequently been subjected to unjust censorship and criticism throughout the history of showbiz.
___
AP book reviews: https://apnews.com/hub/book-reviews
News Related-
Taika Waititi reveals Donald Trump’s ‘list of demands’ for Super Bowl advert
-
Paul Rudd shares details of ‘horrible’ restrictive Marvel diet
-
John Travolta reveals he nearly died after his jet suffered ‘total electrical failure’
-
Stephen Colbert suffers ruptured appendix, cancels Late Show
-
‘The HG Wells of football’: How Terry Venables became a cultural icon
-
I’m a Celebrity campmates ‘gutted’ as Grace Dent quits show: ‘She hasn’t let us down’
-
Bobby Brazier’s dad makes emotional statement after Strictly tribute dance for Jade Goody
-
Chris Brown denies being anti-semitic after dancing to new Kanye West track
-
Priest stripped of duties for letting Sabrina Carpenter film music video in church
-
Jean Knight, ‘Mr Big Stuff’ singer, dies aged 80
-
Celebrities, politicians among those named in sex abuse suits filed under NY's Adult Survivors Act
-
Book Review: 'Welcome to The O.C.' serves as a definitive look-back at the 20-year-old Fox drama
-
Stephen Colbert's 'Late Show' pulled until next week as host recovers from surgery
-
Celebrity birthdays for the week of Dec. 3-9