Playlist: Making fun of the gays

As a proud multiculturalist, I’m happy to acknowledge the anniversary of the Stonewall riots. But in my own unique way, of course... by streaming some cool (and not-so-cool) audio.

Making fun of homosexuals is an American comic tradition. I’ve uploaded five tracks to illustrate the point. I’ve arranged them in order, from least offensive to most malignant. Heck, some of it’s even funny! Just click the titles, listen to the tracks, and ponder how times change.

1. “Gay Alliance” – National Lampoon Radio Hour (c. 1974)

The most benign sketch also happens to be the funniest. And it’s of historical interest because three of the four players became legends of contemporary comedy – John Belushi, Chevy Chase and Christopher Guest. (The fourth guy, Steve Collins, I know nothing about.)

This bit was originally broadcast on the National Lampoon’s radio show (which aired between 1973 and 1975, leading up to the dawn of “Saturday Night Live”).

2. “The L.M.N.O.P. Ad Agency” – Mel Brooks & Carl Reiner (196?)

Two old-school comedy legends and master improvisers, Brooks and Reiner riff on the culture of advertising... and throw in an F-word or two.

3. “It’s a Faggot’s World” – Blowfly (1971)

Not as malicious as you might expect from the title, this is Blowfly presenting his usual combo platter of nasty sex talk and R&B parody. I never thought Blowfly was all too funny. But he did find himself a gimmick and worked it to death.

4. “World’s First Two Gay Guys” – Norm MacDonald (2006)

Now we start sliding over into bona fide contempt. But we’ve known for years that Norm has issues in this regard. (Remember the shit he used to say – publicly – about Chris Kattan’s comedy?)

This sketch (co-starring Will Ferrell in Harry Carey mode) kinda gives me the creeps. And I like MacDonald’s sense of humor generally.

5. “Faggots” – Andrew Dice Clay (1987)

You probably guessed it would end here, huh? How this witless fucking idiot ever became a star is the most baffling human mystery of the last quarter-century. Hear the words... feel the hatred. (The “Welcome to Brooklyn” joke will make you feel unclean.)

Plus, I bet you the “Diceman” would give Satan a blowjob right about now if it meant having a career again.