The Satire Silenced: When Politics Trumps Humor

Brendan Berne’s latest project, Rank, is a comedy series that tackles the absurdities of international diplomacy in the age of Trump, Truss, and Thunberg. However, don’t expect it to make you laugh out loud – at least not yet. The show’s creator, a former Australian ambassador to France, has had his fair share of struggles getting Rank off the ground.

Berne’s experience is a sobering reminder that satire, once a staple of comedy and commentary, has become increasingly difficult to produce in today’s climate. With politicians like Trump suing news organizations for defamation, corporations are shying away from anything perceived as “transgressive” or “offensive.” This stifling of creativity forces writers and producers to self-censor their work to avoid the wrath of politicians and their allies.

The issue extends far beyond Rank. In recent years, comedians and writers have been censored or fired for making jokes about sensitive topics. It’s not just the BBC that’s been targeted – other news outlets have faced pressure from governments and special interest groups to tone down their content. The consequences are clear: good satire is hard to come by, and when it does appear, it’s often watered down to appease the most delicate of sensitivities.

Berne’s Rank may be a comedy, but it’s also a commentary on the absurdities of international diplomacy. Set in a fictional South Pacific country, the show follows a team of British diplomats as they attempt to give asylum to a rogue state weapons scientist – all in the name of celebrating women in science week. Sounds ridiculous? It is. But that’s the point.

As Berne notes, his show is “The Thick of It updated for the age of Trump, Truss and Thunberg.” This isn’t hyperbole; it’s a stark reality. The world we live in today is a strange and frightening place – one where politicians can sue news organizations for defamation and corporations are afraid to take risks on new content.

This raises serious questions about satire, comedy, and the role of writers and producers who want to tackle tough topics. It means they’ll have to get creative – or risk being silenced by those in power. Berne’s Rank may be a comedy, but it’s also a commentary on the state of our world today. And if you’re not laughing out loud, you should be worried.

The Censorship Conundrum

Censorship in satire is nothing new, but recent years have seen an alarming escalation. Politicians and special interest groups are using their power to silence comedians and writers who dare to tackle sensitive topics. This stifling of creativity has far-reaching consequences for our culture.

Take the case of Australian comedian Hannah Gadsby’s groundbreaking Netflix series Nanette, which commented on mental health, trauma, and the power of comedy itself. In its wake, we saw a worrying trend of comedians being censored or fired for making jokes about sensitive topics. Writers are also facing pressure to tone down their content.

The consequences are clear: good satire is hard to come by, and when it does appear, it’s often watered down to appease the most delicate of sensitivities. As Berne notes, “Trump suing the BBC has scorched the earth for political satire.” This bleak picture demands our attention.

The Forgotten Chapter

Berne’s other project, a cello concerto based on the true story of Narcisse Pelletier, is a fascinating footnote in his career. As a former ambassador to France, Berne has always been drawn to the stories of Australia and France’s shared history. This one – about a 19th-century French cabin boy adopted by an Aboriginal tribe – is particularly compelling.

The concerto, which will premiere next year as part of NAIDOC Week celebrations, tells the story of Pelletier’s time with the Uutaalnganu people. It’s a largely untold chapter in Australia and France’s history – one that Berne hopes will help to “salve some of the wounds” left by the cancellation of the submarine program.

As we watch Berne navigate the complexities of his own creative projects, it’s hard not to be reminded of the power of satire. In an age where politicians are increasingly using their power to silence comedians and writers, Rank may seem like a small victory. But it’s one that deserves our attention – and our support.

The Battle for Satire

The battle for satire is ongoing – and it’s not just about comedy shows or cello concertos. It’s about the very fabric of our culture – one that values free speech, creative expression, and the right to poke fun at ourselves and those in power.

As Berne notes, “When the rights returned to me, I revisited my more provocative scripts, which resonated with investors.” This may seem like a minor victory, but it’s crucial. In an age where corporations are shying away from anything perceived as “transgressive,” Rank is a rare example of satire succeeding – even in the face of overwhelming pressure.

This raises important questions about our role in supporting creators like Berne and his projects. We need to stand up for free speech, creative expression, and the right to poke fun at ourselves and those in power. And most importantly, we need to laugh out loud – even when it’s hard.

In a world where politics trumps humor, Rank is a breath of fresh air. It may not be the most sidesplitting comedy series you’ve ever seen – but it’s a vital commentary on our times. And if you’re not laughing out loud, you should be worried – very worried indeed.