Who's to Say What's Obscene?

Paul Krassner talked about his book Who’s to Say What’s Obscene? Politics, Culture and Comedy in America Today (City Lights Publishers; July 1, 2009). Mr. Krassner assessed the ongoing conflict between governmental powers and cultural opponents. The comic, journalist, and author looked at how obscenity is defined, by whom and why. He also examined drug laws and why so many are incarcerated for what he believes are victimless crimes. Other topics included political satire, local humor, plagiarism, and the time distance between tragedy and comedy. Mr. Krassner read passages from his book. He responded to questions from the audience at the end of the program.

Mr. Krassner is founder of the Realist magazine, a journalist, author, stand-up comedian and close friend of Lenny Bruce. He was also editor of Bruce’s autobiography and his articles have appeared in Rolling Stone, Spin, Playboy, Mother Jones, and National Lampoon.

This program contains language that some may find offen close