In his latest comedy instalment, Tom Ballard explores the modern day, age-old question of what exactly being ‘political correct’ means and people taking it too far – or not far enough. Using comedy as a prime example of a social norm that seems to defy the ever-growing rules of such a controversial issue, the adored Australian act shared his thoughts about a truly Problematic topic.
Giving the audience exactly what they wanted almost immediately, Ballard opened with the question on all our minds as of late – “What the f*ck is going on with Pauline Hanson?” Tackling both the actions of Hanson and U.S. President Donald Trump in the first five minutes, the local comic held nothing back. Comparing opinions to assholes and Hanson to a child with a mushy brain, Ballard could be told he takes it too far – but that’s exactly why audiences love him.
Speaking of the “bubble” that he and other privileged individuals tend to live in, the “gay, left winged comedian living in Fitzroy North” pointed out the obvious and major differences between himself and those with ‘real issues’. However, he also mockingly asked why he couldn’t be a part of a revolution without having to change too much or sacrifice anything. Politically and socially engaged, Ballard pinpoints the topics that are often off limits but that ring incredibly true to a younger generation.
Moving onto the many problems faced when trying to determine what is and isn’t politically correct, how far the term should be taken and the outcomes of it sometimes being taken too far, Ballard asked a just-as-confused audience their opinion before exploring his own. Highlighting his own contradictive attitude, he spoke about how words do matter and how easy it is to take a misstep into a politically incorrect area through the act of comedy.
Recently starring in SBS reality series First Contact, a show that places white Aussies into Aboriginal communities, Ballard also touched on his time on set with former One Nation politician David Oldfield. Between racist comments and bigoted opinions, Oldfield was Ballard’s arch-nemeses during filming and there’s no question as to why their interactions were included in his brand new comedy show. Last but certainly not least, Ballard shared stories of going up against Jimmy Carr in a roast battle that’ll never be forgotten – you have to hear it to believe it.
Wrapping up his show by urging people to step outside of their “bubble” and to focus on the truth rather than political correctness, Tom Ballard’s Problematic is carefully crafted and like the best of the comedy shows out there, asks more of the audience than to simply sit and laugh.
By Phoebe Robertson
