re: Jerry Seinfeld talks about why comedy isn't what it used to be...

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The medium has just shifted, in terms of TV, like with most TV/film content. There are lots of comedy shows, just not your typical dumb sitcoms*. Those are for boomers and trailer parks.

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You have a point, but I think the point is that now for truly edgy comedy you have to go out of your way instead of, say, just waiting for the next Mel Brooks movie.

That being said, I think it's the result of caving to the "vocal minority", which - admittedly - this country has always had a bad habit of doing.

I have plenty of friends who would call themselves pretty liberal who lament the lack of comedies like those in the past. I think they prefer it when everyone laughs at themselves as well at others, and I think THAT is what changed.

No one is willing to laugh at themselves anymore. A black comedian who makes fun of white people but also makes fun of black people (like Dave Chapelle) isn't going to trigger any but the most "determined to be angry regardless" folks (which I believe aren't any more plentiful than they were before, they just have a much easier time being heard).

I don't think any particular political group is responsible, at least compared to people who - despite being a small minority - insist certain things are off-limits.

John Stewart made a good point when he asked, "Why do people always ask comedians 'Where's the line?' but never seem to ask politicians that question?"

I think a lot of comedians got tired of being asked "Why are you pushing the line?" and instead just decided to tell jokes about food.