According to Michel Barrette, young comedians need to share the stage with other generations and affirm that freedom of expression has changed over the years.
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“We weren’t funnier before, but we had more freedom of expression. Today we go on eggshells. […] I said things then that wouldn’t happen today,” Quebec comedian Michel Barrette confided on the program Le monde à l’envers.
This question from Stéphan Bruneau comes a few days after the controversy sparked by the Les Olivier Gala, with some criticizing a certain disdain young comedians have towards older comedians in relation to the issues discussed.
Mr. Barrette, who said he wanted to renew himself and change the format of these shows, said he was sad after watching the gala several times: “I felt like I was seeing a single generation on one stage.”
However, he was not offended by the attitude of the young comedians, argued with humor among other things, but reacted nonetheless.
“It bothered me, I found them disrespectful in the sense that it’s a gala meant to celebrate Quebec humor and Quebec humor isn’t just for young people. We need to welcome them, but not wrap up the old ones,” he continued. “Let’s share the stage!” he finally demanded.
The other debaters, including Richard Martineau, qualified. “It’s the great chain of life,” the columnist argued, adding that the fact that young people “kick old people’s ass” is normal, chanting a “hakuna matata” in passing.
This debate also allowed the panel to move on to the question of “boomers” who, in their opinion, should not be pushed out of the public space for the better representation of society with all generations.
“We must listen to each other, learn and move forward,” replied Michel Barrette.