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Outrageous: A History of Showbiz and the Culture Wars
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About This Book
From the preeminent historian of modern comedy comes an expansive history of showbiz and the culture wars There is a common belief that we live in unprecedented times, that people are too sensitive today, that nobody objected to the actions of actors, comedians, and filmmakers in the past. Modern pundits would have us believe that Americans of a previous generation had tougher skin and seldom complained. But does this argument hold up to scrutiny? In Outrageous, celebrated cultural historian Kliph Nesteroff demonstrates that Americans have been objecting to entertainment for nearly two hundred years, sometimes rationally, often irrationally. Likewise, powerful political interests have sought to circumvent the arts using censorship, legal harassment, and outright propaganda. From Mae West through Johnny Carson, Amos 'n' Andy through Beavis and Butt-Head , Outrageous chronicles the controversies of American show business and the ongoing attempts to change what we watch, read, and hear.
Reviews
"While the point is well taken, the argument never progresses much beyond its origins; readers are bombarded with endless historical examples that, while often fascinating, generally fail to elicit more far-reaching analysis."
"esteroff 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 ..."
"He's interested in the historical context."
"Essentially a history of American censorship of all kinds of popular culture ..."
"The parts are better than the whole, but the message is clear: Loosen up and enjoy the show."
"This book should spark useful conversations, even debate, by offering a template for discussing the relevance and origins of historic outrage culture."
"In no-frills prose, Nesteroff races through some two centuries of expression and backlash."
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