Title: Who’s to Say What’s Obscene
Subtitle: Politics, Culture and Comedy in America Today
First published: 2009
Description: Fans of *The Daily Show* and *The Onion* will appreciate this timely collection of satirical essays by counterculture icon Paul Krassner.

With irreverence and an often X-rated wit, Krassner writes with a unique perspective on comedy and obscenity in politics and culture, from "Bong Hits 4 Jesus" banners to scenes cut out of recent movies, including *Borat* and *Milk*.

In his essay "Don Imus Meets Michael Richards," Krassner examines racism in comdey, from Lenny Bruce to Dave Chapelle, on *The Sarah Silverman Snow* and *Curb Your Enthusiasm*, and in controversial comic strips like *The Bookdocks*. In his piece "The Great Muhammad Cartoon Controversy," he looks at free speech and self-censorship in the face of threats–real and perceived–from religious fundamentalists. Throughout, Krassner riffs about busted public figures, counterculture, free speech, late-night talk shows, censorship, sex, and the current state of satire.
Subjects: Politics and government, American essays, Popular culture, American wit and humor, Social life and customs, Humor, topic, politics, American Satire
LC classification: PS3561.R286 W47 2009