In today’s popular culture most comedy revolves around giving reprieve or a pleasant pause to the busy routines of most Americans. Stand-up comedy has evolved to fulfill a need for relief and in this case comic relief. The stresses of everyday life have made the comedy genre more and more popular over the years as seen in the explosion of stand-up comedy and comedy films. As comedy has gained more popularity it has intertwined politics, philosophy, and humor. Stand-up comedy has become and art on its own evolving comics into modern day philosophers. Nick DiPaolo's famous stand-up routine titled “Raw Nerve” is a critical look at modern day America in strong defiance against the growing rules of political correctness. DiPaolo often takes a more conservative stance in his comedy but it is not without inappropriateness or the less palatable parts of life. His jokes about married life ring particularly true with those whom can relate. DiPaolo talks about the subtle animosity that can exist between two people whom love each other but are simultaneously extremely annoyed by the other person. The idea of a conservative comedian …show more content…
He speaks about wanting his wife dead and the failures of government officials and policies. These topics could only be successful to an audience that secretly wants to hear these topics. This provides a relief to audience that wants the comic relief to harsher realities of life. Relief theory is the most evident theory that exists here. DiPaolo also uses stereotypes as a way to go against the grain. The stereotypes used as a device to show the harmlessness of stereotypes. DiPaolo has a subtle message of using stereotypes to prove how silly the power of stereotypes are. By breaking the mold and not participating in the appropriate topics DiPaolo has allowed himself to create great comedy that provides an honest look at life and