The Irony of Inside

 

Many comedians revolve their specials around specific topics that are currently world issues. Bo Burnhams recent Netflix special Inside includes ironic and satirical compositions that relay the underlying controversies happening in the United States today. Intertwining music and mockery Burnham makes his audience think about the deeper reality to his lyrics and the truth he is presenting. Inside shapes it’s main point about existing online throughout this generation and during the pandemic, as well as lampooning and critiquing the worlds prevalent issues with slapstick lyrics and humiliating himself. In one of Burnham’s songs he creates a repartee with a sock puppet about “How The World Works” quickly moving from the simplicity of bees drinking from flowers to mocking politics such as his lyrics “neoliberal fascists are destroying the left” revealing the unsettling factors of the world. Burnham jokes are a true mirror of pure honesty which causes all who relate to truly think about the hilarious essence of his work. What makes Burnham’s work so radical is that he represents the population of cishet white men. He breaks the barriers of masculinity and allows himself to perform vulnerably and talk about his emotions. He symbolizes the infuriating and isolating feelings of being stuck inside while watching the world being set on fire. While sitting throughout Burnham’s ironic production he evokes empathy underneath all the laughter, as we sit curiously reflecting on the truth behind his words.