The license to be funny in America
One of the most fundamental aspects of American democracy has been the public’s ability to critique power, whether that’s through protest, legislation, or a really funny joke. Today, we take a romp into the history of American comedy, showing no matter how crude, rude, or distasteful the humor may be, Americans have a constitutional right to stand up. To access bonus episodes and listen to Throughline sponsor-free, subscribe to Throughline+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org/throughline . See
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The license to be funny in America
Welcome to the program. I'm your host.
Welcome to the program. I'm your host.
0:00Today we look at the major stories shaping the news cycle.
Today we look at the major stories shaping the news cycle.
0:04We start in Europe, where leaders met in Brussels.
We start in Europe, where leaders met in Brussels.
0:09The summit focused on energy policy and migration.
The summit focused on energy policy and migration.
0:14Reporting from the ground, our correspondent has more.
Reporting from the ground, our correspondent has more.
0:19Thank you. The mood here was tense but constructive.
Thank you. The mood here was tense but constructive.
0:24