Jeff Foxworthy Asks Cancel Culture to Extend Grace to Others
By Cooper Dowd, Contributing Writer
Comedian Jeff Foxworthy may be one of the most popular funnymen in the entertainment industry today. Fox News reports he’s the largest selling comedy-recording artist in history, as well as a best-selling author of more than 26 books. He’s also a noted Christian.
In recent weeks, Foxworthy has spoken out against the rising “cancel culture,” especially as it relates to comedy.
“It was like in the late ’80s or ’90s if I was writing a routine, I might say, well, men do this and women do that,” Foxworthy said. “And then you would have some man or woman say, “Well, I don’t do that.” And you know, part of me is like, ‘I know, it’s a joke.’ You know, play along. But I started writing, I do this, my wife does that. But we’ve gotten to the point nobody has a sense of humor about themselves.”
Foxworthy said he does not want “cancel culture” to take root in comedy because laughter is essential. Although he does believe that learning to laugh at ourselves is healthy, he also recognizes a need for grace in making audiences laugh.
“My thought is we’re all a mess,” Foxworthy said. “We all make mistakes. And in fact, I had gotten to the point where I was saying, when I walked out on stage, that I remind myself right before I walk out that everybody’s going through a struggle, everybody. It might be financial, physical, emotional… So I have grace with people because you don’t know what they’re going through.
“And I don’t think laughter makes the struggle go away,” Foxworthy continued. “But laughter is like the release valve that keeps the boiler from exploding. So, let’s learn to laugh at ourselves. When other people make a mistake, have grace with them, when we make a mistake, we hope people give us grace in return. And I just would love to see us get back to that.”
Foxworthy’s faith may play a role in how he approaches cancel culture. The comedian was nominated for the Grace Prize® at the 2012 Movieguide® Awards Gala and Report to the Entertainment Industry for hosting THE AMERICAN BIBLE CHALLENGE.
His new show, WHAT’S IT WORTH, was filmed during the pandemic and can be watched on A&E.
“From the comfort of their homes, Foxworthy and a team of experts examine a variety of heirlooms, trinkets and treasures to help people determine if they are sitting on a gold mine, or if they are just holding on to items for the sentimental value,” A&E says.
The show’s conception came from Foxworthy’s love for collecting and a recognition that a lot more people are spending time in their homes.
“It’s something to do while you’re on the road, but I had stuff that I would go, ‘Is this worth anything? Or should I get rid of it, hold onto it?’ Foxworthy told Fox News. “What we found was when the pandemic started, people were doing projects that they had never had time to do. They were cleaning out their attics, they were cleaning out their garages, and they were doing the same thing. They were finding things, and they’re like, ‘Do I get rid of this? Do I put it in a yard sale? Or is it valuable?’”
In many cases, the show revealed that the items people began to find had significant value.
“I was a little bit pessimistic that it would work going into somebody’s house virtually and letting them film themselves with their phone and all…” Foxworthy said. “It was great. It was so fun to go to people’s houses to see how they live, to see where they kept this stuff, which in most cases was in the sock drawer or under the bed.
“I would always laugh at the sock drawer,” Foxworthy added. “And in a lot of cases, I was just flabbergasted by what some of this stuff was worth. I mean, thousands, 10 thousand in one case is half a million dollars somebody had sitting in their house, and they had no idea what it was worth.”
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
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