Can We Laugh at That?

 "A thought-provoking portrait of the consequences of contemporary offensive humor."

* Kirkus Reviews *

"[Berlinerblau] delivers a thought-provoking survey of contemporary comedians who have sparked controversy. . .  . a thorough report on the shifting landscape of modern comedy.”

* Publishers Weekly *

"Berlinerblau argues that the United States still agrees--mostly--on the importance of free speech, in all its complexity and messiness...[and assesses] changing norms in an era of ideological contention and internet vitality."

* Forward *

"Smart, nuanced, and well-informed...By covering–and insightfully analysing–a broad range of comedy controversies, Berlinerblau effectively sets out the landscape stand-ups have to negotiate, why things are the way they are, and how sometimes comedians can be their own worst enemy."

* Chortle *

“In his new book, Berlinerblau, who describes himself as ‘neither right nor left’ politically, explores the genre of modern comedy and the recent cultural hostility toward jokes perceived by some as ‘crossing the line.’”

* The College Fix *

"Meticulously researched."

* ABC-TV World News Now ‘Barry’s Bookshelf’ *

"Can We Laugh at That? Comedy in a Conflicted Age will be a positive step for lay citizens and possibly even thoughtful government officials to work together to reduce the current conflicts in comedy. Free speech should remain at least mostly free in America and elsewhere in the world."

* Pittsburgh Review of Books *

“The one who is laughing defines what is funny, including comedy that is provocative or nasty. But at what point does comedy become hate speech issuing from xenophobia, misogyny, bias, or rage? Jacques Berlinerblau’s Can We Laugh at That?: Comedy in a Conflicted Age examines this issue.”

* On the Seawall *

“Extremist groups and governments are becoming more brazen in the squelching of humorous material intended to satirize regimes, religion, or propaganda. . . . With a keen understanding of politics, parody, and pastiche, Berlinerblau shows how dangerous this can get for those trying to stir up their audiences, or trying to point out the clownish or dangerous natures of national systems and industries.”

* On the Seawa