On Sunday night, a host of comedians and celebrities gathered at the Kennedy Center to witness the comedian and influencer John Stewart receive the Mark Twain Prize for his achievement in humor. As the 23rd recipient of this prize, 59-year-old Stewart speculated comedy’s future with the growing cultural sensitivity of the audience. This audience, according to Stewart, is constantly disregarding a factual and persistent hazard posed by authoritarian governments across the world.
During the event, Stewart expressed himself saying that comedy is a bellwether, even though it might not be in a capacity to change the world.
He pointed out Bassem Youssef, an Egyptian comedian who earned his celebrity status and reputation from the inspiration of Stewart’s political comedy show. Stewart said that Youssef’s story was an illustration how the comedy was under high level threat.
Various humourists honored Stewart with testimonials, including Chappelle. Chappelle in a testimonial during the event said that watching Stewart perform was therapeutic since it reflected a cure to what is ailing the nation.
Stewart has been in the limelight for more than two decades representing and constantly talking about politics and culture. He focused his satire on politics and the polarized national media. It is noted that in 2004, Stewart joined a popular show on CNN called ‘crossfire’ and challenged the entire premise of left-wing versus right-wing debate. Stewart was infuriated by the co-hosts Paul Begala and Tucker Carlson for cheapening with insincere political role-playing. Stewart told his co-hosts, “You have a responsibility to the public discourse.”
Crossfire was canceled three months later, but that program propelled Stewart to higher levels of political relevance and prominence. He tried various talk shows and failed until 1999 when he took over The Daily Show by Comedy Central. He worked as the host until 2015, when he retired. Since then, Stewart has remained a vocal proponent of various social causes.
