Green Day singer upset by racist and LGBTQ jokes
Green Day singer Billie Joe Armstrong recently slammed certain comedians for targeting marginalized communities in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
Armstrong’s comments addressed what he sees as problematic trends in contemporary comedy, particularly comedians who target vulnerable groups.
“We live in such chaos right now, and it’s one of the worst times in the history of America in my lifetime,” Armstrong said.
“We have these politicians, and how these weird macho comedians are beating people down — people that are marginalized, whether it’s LGBTQ or if it’s people of color or people that have mental disabilities — and it’s like they’re just punching down on people.”
The 90’s rock icon contrasted this offensive approach with comedians he admires from an earlier generation.
“And [this] brings me to the people that are in the film [Green Day’s new movie ‘New Years Rev’], like Bobby Lee and Fred Armisen, who are these Gen X type of comedians,” he continued.
“That brings back to the Janeane Garofalo type of comedy, where it’s still self-deprecating, but at the same time, it’s got a bigger view of how fucked-up society is, without throwing in conspiracy theories and kickboxing. That’s the generation of comedians that I think are really the best.”
During the promotion of Green Day’s new movie, “New Years Rev,” which premiered at TIFF, the comments were made. Armstrong’s views on social issues and comedy reflect his ongoing commitment to addressing societal challenges through his art. Billie Joe has been very critical of President Trump.
He remains hopeful about the potential release of the “American Idiot” movie adaptation, showing his sustained interest in projects that focus on social and political themes. The original “American Idiot” album and the subsequent Broadway musical were notable for their sharp critiques of American politics and media culture.
