Hi Mr. Seinfeld,
So, we heard your comments about political correctness being so extreme on college campuses that you wouldn’t even perform on one, and honestly . . . you’re being ridiculous.
College campuses can be wonderful places to perform — as long as you follow a few basic guidelines.
First of all, don’t make the mistake of just getting up there and telling jokes right away. Instead, begin with an apology. Acknowledge that you know you don’t really deserve any of your success — that you realize you are where you are only because you’re a straight, white male and not because you’re funnier than other people or earned it through hard work. Also make sure to clarify that you are in fact not proud of Seinfeld, but so embarrassed by its lack of diversity that you have trouble sleeping at night.
After apologizing to the crowd, feel free to tell all the jokes you want! Well, not all of them.
After apologizing to the crowd, feel free to tell all the jokes you want! Well, not all of them. Like, most stuff is fine, but there are definitely certain things that are obviously off-limits — such as making fun of someone for pronouncing “Cool Whip” a certain way.
Also please watch your language. Words like “f***” and “s***” are fine, but steer clear of the more harmful stuff, such as “you guys.” We like to laugh just as much as the next group, but you can’t expect us to just sit idly by and listen to someone use the kind of male-centric language that reinforces an oppressive patriarchy as if it’s no big deal.
#related#It’s not much to ask, really. You can even feel free to do crowd work! Just ask students if they have your consent to be spoken to, ask them for their preferred pronouns (don’t make assumptions!), and then go ahead!
And if there is a joke you really want to tell, but you’re worried it might offend some people, you can still tell it. We’d just ask that you please offer a trigger warning, give any students who may feel uncomfortable ample time to leave the room, and then deliver the punch line. Don’t worry about how the waiting might affect your comedic timing — see it as an opportunity to check your privilege and ask yourself how you might become a better ally in the future. After all, the best kinds of jokes are the ones that become teachable moments.
See? We’re not that bad! If you have any further questions, feel free to tweet at us. We love using our education to enlighten other people.
Sincerely,
College Kids