"I'm Sorry, 'Alleged' Holocaust": Humor, History and Holocaust Denial

Abstract: This article investigates how comedians use satire and parody to expose the antisemitism that underpins Holocaust denial. Its argument is twofold: first, that as public intellectuals, comedians have the capacity to help steer how audiences understand the significance of the Holocaust and the dangers of Holocaust denial; and second, that by examining comedy over a span of time, we can see how denial has become a global phenomenon. Exploring the work of Sarah Silverman, Jon Stewart, Nathan Fielder and Sacha Baron Cohen, the article shows that a multifaceted approach is required to counteract Holocaust denial, and misinformation more generally, and comedians can be a potent weapon in our arsenal.