STANDUP, PUSH-PIN AND ART–THE MORE THE MERRIER.

STANDUP, PUSH-PIN AND ART–THE MORE THE MERRIER. How do I feel about Ron Rosenbaum’s article that I posted on yesterday, which argues against Jerry Seinfeld’s kind of standup comedy? I guess it should be clear that I take a somewhat utilitarian view of art. Bentham said that “Prejudice apart, the game of push-pin is of equal value with the arts and sciences of music and poetry. If the game of push-pin furnish more pleasure, it is more valuable than either.” (Push-pin is apparently a children’s game). I would be prepared to substitute “bad art” for “push-pin” in the Bentham quotation: “If bad art furnish more pleasure it is more valuable than good art.” I do not see what is gained by persuading people to dislike something that they like, even in the name of raising standards. If people like Jerry Seinfeld, good. If people like Lenny Bruce, good. On the other hand, if a critic can make me like something better–appreciate something more– I am better off.