Bowen Yang: SNL Should Embrace On-Air Cursing

Luna Greco

4 min read

Post on May 18, 2025

4.7

Share

Bowen Yang's Unique Brand of Humor and the Limitations of Censorship

Bowen Yang's comedic style is characterized by its wit, observational humor, and often subversive undertones. He excels at finding the absurdity in everyday situations and delivering his lines with a deadpan delivery that enhances the comedic effect. However, the constraints of SNL's censorship sometimes dull the impact of his jokes. A carefully chosen curse word can sometimes amplify the humor and add a layer of authenticity that is currently missing.

• Examples: Imagine a sketch where Yang's character is frustrated by bureaucratic red tape; a well-placed expletive could perfectly encapsulate that frustration and resonate more strongly with the audience. Similarly, in sketches that satirize political figures, a strategically chosen curse word could highlight the absurdity of their actions.
• Censorship's Impact: The current censorship often forces Yang to soften his jokes, leading to a less potent comedic delivery. This self-censorship can feel unnatural and detract from the overall impact of his performance.
• Comparisons: While many comedians navigate the line between clean and edgy humor, some, like Pete Davidson, have successfully incorporated cursing into their SNL performances, showcasing that it's possible to do so tastefully and effectively. This highlights a potential gap in SNL's approach to comedy that could be bridged with more deliberate consideration of profanity.

The Changing Landscape of Television and Comedy

The landscape of television and comedy is constantly evolving. What was once considered taboo is now commonplace in many mainstream media outlets. The increased acceptance of profanity in other late-night shows and comedy specials demonstrates a shift in audience expectations and tolerance.

• Examples: Shows like South Park, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and numerous stand-up specials successfully utilize cursing to enhance their comedic impact without sacrificing quality or resorting to shock value.
• Attracting a Wider Audience: A more mature approach to language can attract a wider, younger audience that is accustomed to a less sanitized comedic style. This demographic often appreciates authenticity and realism, elements that controlled cursing can effectively provide.
• Authenticity and Realism: Controlled cursing can add authenticity and realism to sketches, making them feel more relatable and grounded in reality, especially when dealing with relatable struggles or societal issues.

Strategic Use of Cursing: Quality Over Quantity

This argument isn't about gratuitous cursing; it's about using profanity strategically for maximum comedic effect. The key is quality over quantity. A single, well-placed curse word can be far more impactful than a string of expletives.

• Enhanced Comedic Timing: A carefully placed curse word can enhance comedic timing and impact. The shock value or emphasis added by the profanity can create a more memorable and impactful moment.
• Context is Key: The context is crucial. The use of profanity must be responsible and relevant to the sketch's theme and message. It should serve to enhance the humor, not detract from it.
• Memorable Moments: Strategically used profanity has the potential to create more memorable and impactful moments in SNL sketches, making them more quotable and discussed amongst viewers.

The Potential Benefits for Bowen Yang's Career

Allowing Bowen Yang to utilize strategically placed cursing could significantly benefit his career. It would provide him with greater creative freedom, leading to more impactful performances and increased opportunities.

• Increased Audience Engagement and Critical Acclaim: More authentic performances could lead to greater audience engagement and potentially critical acclaim, further cementing his status as a comedic force.
• Challenging Roles: This would open up opportunities for more challenging and groundbreaking comedic roles, allowing him to push boundaries and explore new comedic avenues.
• Post-SNL Success: The freedom to fully express his comedic talent, including the strategic use of profanity, could enhance his marketability and opportunities for post-SNL success.

Conclusion

A strategic and controlled use of cursing could significantly benefit Bowen Yang's performances and the overall quality of Saturday Night Live. Yang's unique comedic style, the changing landscape of television comedy, and the potential for responsible and effective use of profanity all point to the need for a more open-minded approach to language on the show. Let's embrace the potential for a bolder, funnier SNL by allowing Bowen Yang to fully utilize his comedic talents, including the strategic use of cursing. Let's start a conversation about the future of Bowen Yang and SNL's comedic approach. Share your thoughts on whether Bowen Yang SNL cursing should be embraced! #BowenYang #SNL #Cursing #Comedy