Outrageous: A History of Showbiz and the Culture Wars

Kliph Nesteroff's book "Outrageous" explores how Americans have been objecting to entertainment for nearly two hundred years, and how political interests have sought to circumvent the arts through censorship, legal harassment, and propaganda.

Format: Hardback
Length: 356 pages
Publication date: 21 December 2023
Publisher: Abrams

From the preeminent historian of modern comedy comes an expansive history of showbiz and the culture wars.

There is a common belief that we live in unprecedented times, that people are too sensitive today, that nobody objected to the actions of actors, comedians, and filmmakers in the past. Modern pundits would have us believe that Americans of a previous generation had tougher skin and seldom complained. But does this argument hold up to scrutiny?

In Outrageous, celebrated cultural historian Kliph Nesteroff demonstrates that Americans have been objecting to entertainment for nearly two hundred years, sometimes rationally, often irrationally. Likewise, powerful political interests have sought to circumvent the arts using censorship, legal harassment, and outright propaganda. From Mae West through Johnny Carson, Amos n Andy through Beavis and Butt-Head, Outrageous chronicles the controversies of American show business and the ongoing attempts to change what we watch, read, and hear.

Nesteroff's book is a fascinating exploration of the ways in which entertainment has shaped American culture and society. He argues that the entertainment industry has always been a powerful force for social change, but that it has also been a target for those who want to control and restrict the kinds of messages that are being sent to the public.

One of the most interesting aspects of Nesteroff's book is his examination of the ways in which censorship has been used to control the entertainment industry. He shows how government agencies, religious organizations, and other powerful groups have sought to limit the expression of certain ideas and themes in order to maintain their power and control over the population.

Nesteroff also explores the ways in which the entertainment industry has been used as a tool for political propaganda. He shows how politicians and political parties have used the media to promote their agendas and to attack their opponents. He also shows how the entertainment industry has been used to shape public opinion and to influence political outcomes.

Another interesting aspect of Nesteroff's book is his examination of the ways in which the entertainment industry has been shaped by the culture wars. He shows how the conflicts between different groups and ideologies have shaped the kinds of entertainment that are produced and consumed. He also shows how the entertainment industry has been used to promote certain values and to undermine others.

Overall, Outrageous is a fascinating and important book that provides a wealth of information and insight into the history of entertainment and the culture wars. It is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the ways in which entertainment has shaped American culture and society.

Dimension: 152 x 229 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781419760983