Patton Oswalt on the PC Police and Why Comedy Is ‘Pretty Fucking Essential’

This Is Stand-Up: Patton Oswalt from Voice Media Group on Vimeo.

In this episode of This Is Stand-Up, Village Voice contributor Jessica Pilot sits down with comedian Patton Oswalt at Frank’s Barber Boutique in Los Angeles to talk about the responsibilities comedians have — especially in a world where performers in the public eye are being scrutinized more than ever.

Oswalt says it’s essential that “comedians remain as irresponsible as we can in terms of mockery and language.” He also addresses the so-called “PC police” and “social-justice warriors,” and how their outrage helps prove that comedy is a crucial part of culture today.

“It’s become very, very clear over the past three decades that comedy is pretty fucking essential,” Oswalt tells the Voice.