The Three Stooges as Social Commentary

I had an interesting conversation with my husband today – about The Three Stooges. A new film adaptation of the classic slapstick trio opened in theaters this week.

My first thought is - why? With the exploding issue of bullying and the fundamental breakdown of respectful behavior in our nation, why do we need to bring The Three Stooges back? Is it in anyone’s best interests to introduce a new generation of youth to poking, slapping, needling and abusing as a means to communicate?

My husband was surprised at my concern. He enjoys “a good slapstick” and finds it a light-hearted escape. He thinks perhaps it’s a “guy thing.” Maybe men are more prone to like slapstick than women are. (That may be…. I think that you either love The Stooges, …or you don’t.)

He offered an alternate question: What does it say about our society and the degradation of elemental manners that we are discussing protecting our children from comedic slapstick out of fear they’ll not know any better than to beat each other up after watching it?

Two different perspectives…..

What are your thoughts?