McSweeney’s List (5 March 2025)
I'm so sick of politics.
But Dawn, everything is political!
I know; I've said that too, and maybe it's true, but I'm exhausted, so let's talk about it.
It's not just Trump (though of course, it is also Trump). Besides global situations like Ukraine, and Palestine, the world’s economy and housing crisis, politics here at home have been more prominent than usual. For better or worse, Canadians don't usually seem so adamant about things; actually, usually we disagree about some things, and carry on our day, with Double Doubles in hand and maple syrup on our minds. But we seemed to be slipping into the Us and Them mindset that has brought our American neighbors to the difficult spot they're in.
Speaking with friends and family over the years about topics one “never should” (politics and religion), I've often voted differently than those close to me. As an idealist who votes with my heart, I’ve voted for different parties along the way. Somehow, I've often been told I'm wasting my vote, but have always avoided tactical voting. Well, federally; provincial elections are only tactical. I've had people try to convince me that their party was better, and I've explained why I was voting the way I was that season, and then, we would cheers our microbrewery beers, turn on some JFL reruns, and Git Along Lil’ Doggies.
This year, I've already had a dude tell me that voting was my civic duty -- unless I wasn't voting his way, in which case I should stay home. Another friend yelled rhetoric at me straight from the smear campaign of another party. It was easily fact checked to the contrary, but since when do we believe that people competing against each other tell the truth about each other?
Some of my recent conversations have been about the role of the monarchy, and our weird rules about the deputy Prime minister. This isn't my usual small talk fodder, and it's an indication of how bad things are right now. Canadian politics are supposed to be boring; that's how we know it's basically working. Government is supposed to be a machine, whirring away in the background as we eat our poutines and watch reruns of Corner Gas, Kim’s Convenience, and Schitt's Creek. We aren't supposed to get into yelling matches about Canadian politics; after all, it isn't hockey.
Perhaps the influence of our neighbor has trickled up. Perhaps the way they now see political partisanship as a character trait is contagious. Probably, though, it's more complicated than that. Social media propels itself on conflict (cute animal videos and hot chicks too, but mostly conflict). Every time you get caught up in a heated exchange with someone online, be they strangers or followers, the rich get richer. Our timelines are intentionally geared to get our goats because interactions make money, and a debate that starts respectfully and quickly devolves into trash talking is a cha-ching time after time.
But we have to disagree! That's how we change minds!
Online debates entrench opinions rather than change them. Don't believe me? Google it. Or, take a moment to ask yourself when you last had your opinion changed by online debate. I’ll wait.
Believe it or not, there was a time when if you didn't like the dude in power, but he did a thing you did like, you would say well at least that! I don't like the guy worth shit, but I agree with him on this! Now it's simply good guys and bad guys, and that depends on where you're standing. To say that the guy you don't like did a thing you do like is tantamount to infidelity.
But political lines are more important than ever! We're at a pivotal crossroad!
Whatever crossroad you're thinking of, I think you're right. And the most important thing is remembering how to stick together. Remembering that if there is an enemy trying to steal your job, fuck you over, and keep you down (or whatever your motivating concern), it's whoever is in charge. The only thing the ruling class has to do, is figure out how to keep ruling. Keeping the people fighting over petty shit, arguing with their family, buying merch and staying on edge, keeps The Man in charge. The deluge of chaos keeps the media running, and keeps the masses ducking and dodging, distracted, and divided when they should be uniting.
On socials, I follow accounts with staunchly opposing views. I enjoy hearing both sides of any given story, convinced that the truth remains somewhere in between. For the first time, all the voices are angry. When one thing happens, everyone is mad about it, but for different reasons. We've lost the sense of “the enemy of my enemy is my friend”, as well as forgetting that our neighbors and friends are our neighbors and friends, regardless of what they do in the privacy of the voting booth.
I don't want to vote. For the first time in my life, I'm struck by immobilizing cynicism, and I hate all the options. Each party has maybe one good idea, and a bunch of dumb ones. In an ideal world, we’d implement each of the good ones, regardless of party lines, and let the dumb ideas fall. But that's not how the system works. Regardless, I don't trust anyone in Canadian politics right now. Maybe I never should've trusted any of them, and maybe I'm late to the skepticism party, but now that I'm here, it's pretty disappointing.
But we can't allow ourselves to give in to that sadness. Now more than ever we need hope, community, art. We need to channel our feelings, including our frustrations, into positive action. Times of political and cultural distress have historically produced art that outlasted the turmoil. When we try to censor our art, blurring out the timestamps of when it was created in an effort to create something timeless, we do ourselves a disservice. It's those very cultural markers and visceral responses to the current time that make art vital as historical artifacts.
“Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.”
While it sounds like something a self-important artist might say (and aren't we all self-important artists), Cesar Cruz is actually a gang violence prevention advocate, a PhD holder, an activist, and a Dean at Harvard. He knows his shit. For artists, this is a wonderful mission statement. It's a reminder that not every art event needs to be sad or angry to get our fears across: our fellow sad, angry, scared folks need comfort, need joy, hope, and a break from the news. They need spaces where they can set the real world aside to remember beauty, whimsy, and laughter. The people in charge need to see the truth through our eyes; the jarring choices, and painful realities. And we all need a dose of art separated from politics: I don't know who Emily Carr voted for, but I sure know how she saw canoes; I have no idea whose side Maude Lewis was on, but I believe she loved animals. Both created works that lasted longer than the political climates they were created in. As Longfellow wrote, Art is long, and time is fleeting. Art is the footprints left behind.
Remember that if they're close enough for you to argue with, they're in the same boat as you. Remember that the ruling class loves us fighting amongst ourselves; the people divided are an easy target, while the people united are unstoppable. Remember that while the 24 hour news cycle needs to be fed like a coal engine, you don't have to let it consume you. Do what you can: start a book club, make art, get your seedlings going, team up to buy groceries cheaper. It's not perfect, My Loves, far from it. But it never has been, and we've always managed to find our glory when we stick together.
Hot Girl Shit
Do some celebratory shopping for International Women’s Rights Day! Elevate female entrepreneurship by buying goodies straight from the makers! Discover handmade creations, home decor, jewelry, and lots more! It's a wonderful opportunity to support their talent while highlighting the importance of equality and women's rights.
Free event, no reservation required.
WHAT: Marché Entre Elle | TogetHer Market
WHERE: 2300 Tupper St., Montreal, H3H 0B9
WHEN: Saturday, March 8 @ 10 AM - 4 PM
METRO: Atwater (Green)
DETAILS: Facebook
Saucy Broads
The spotlight shines on some of the funniest women in comedy for International Women's Day! Witty women take the stage with powerful punchlines, and zero apologies. Sure, we like flowers, but we love a spotlight, a mic, and an audience in the palm of our manicured hands. Bring the brunch gals! In fact, bring that jerk who said women weren't funny, and then ghost him.
WHAT: Queens of Comedy
WHERE: Melrose Resto, 6548 St. Laurent Blvd., Montreal, H2S 3C6
WHEN: Saturday, March 8, Doors @ 6 PM, Show @ 8 PM
METRO: Beaubien (Orange)
TICKETS: Eventbrite
Down to Clown
Tomfoolery lives here! Produced by Melissa G., Clowndom is a *NEW* experimental show featuring clown acts and alt-comedy. This show will feature artists trying out new bits, expanding old ones, performing tried-and-true favourites, and working on Work-In-Progress (WIP) pieces.
WHAT: Clowndom: A Night of Tomfoolery - Winterlewd ‘25
WHERE: Turbo Haüs, 2036 St. Denis St., Montreal, H2X 3K7
WHEN: Sunday, March 9 @ 730 PM
METRO: Sherbrooke (Orange)
TICKETS: Zeffy
Check out more of Winterlewd’s cool offerings in our preview here!
World’s Smallest Comedy Night has so many cool things happening, we’re giving them a whole section! Let's do this in order of appearance, shall we?
What Do You Know? Like, Seriously…
Tonight! Come to Hurley's for Trivia Night, and get bonus laughter! Put your knowledge to the test! Whether you're a history buff, a pop culture guru, or a sports fanatic, there's something for everyone. Grab a pint, enjoy delicious pub fare, and get ready to show off your trivia skills. Grab your team, and enjoy this night of comedy, friendly competition, and great company. Hosted by Vance Michel, featuring Shosho Abotouk, Arthur Sim Jr., and Gowthaman Kasy.
WHAT: Trivia Night at Hurley's
WHERE: Hurley's Irish Pub, 1225 Crescent St., Montreal, H3G 2B1
WHEN: Every Wednesday @ 8 PM
METRO: Lucien l'Allier (Orange) & Guy-Concordia (Green)
RSVP: Eventbrite
Classic Coke
Beat the Monday Blues with WSC’s OG offering, The World's Smallest Comedy Night!
Enjoy a showcase of the best comedians in the city, hot up-and-comers, national and international touring comics, and surprises! Hosted by Vance Michel, this week’s lineup features Radu Sona, Ali Rafei, Miguel Mckenna, Konstantin Chaknov, Charles Montgomary, Maya Kanitkar, Edyson Dufort, and Peter Bowen.
WHAT: The World's Smallest Comedy Night
WHERE: Hurley's Irish Pub, 1225 Crescent St., Montreal, H3G 2B1
WHEN: Every Monday @ 8 PM
METRO: Lucien l'Allier (Orange) & Guy-Concordia (Green)
TICKETS: Eventbrite
Dirty Monday
The Monday Night Dirty Mic is the best uncensored open mic in town. Hosted by Vance Michel, every show is an unpredictable and unique experience as a hilarious collection of comedians from newbs to pros take the stage. See the best before anyone else, and catch seasoned locals doing their freshest funnies!
Comics: show-up, sign-up.
WHAT: Monday Night Dirty Mic
WHERE: Hurley's Irish Pub, 1225 Crescent St., Montreal, H3G 2B1
WHEN: Every Monday, Sign-up @ 1020 PM, Show @ 1030 PM
METRO: Lucien l'Allier (Orange) & Guy-Concordia (Green)
RSVP: Eventbrite
Monday!
Professional and Amateur comedians take the stage to try out their new jokes!
Full kitchen, and bar. Beat the Monday blues with belly laughs. Hosted by Ben Cardilli.
Tickets: 10$ in advance / 15$ at the door
WHAT: Mondays, Amirite?
WHERE: McKibbin’s Irish Pub, 1426 Rue Bishop St., Montreal, H3G 2E6
WHEN: Every Monday, doors @ 7 PM, Show @ 8 PM
METRO: Guy-Concordia (Green), Lucien l’Allier (Orange)
TICKETS: Eventbrite
Tuesday
Get the authentic Montreal Stand Up Comedy experience at Montreal Comedy Club! Enjoy a showcase of the best comedians in the city, hot up-and-comers, plus hotshot celebrity drop ins, and more surprises!
WHAT: Tuesday Night Comedy Jam
WHERE: McKibbin’s Irish Pub, 1426 Rue Bishop St., Montreal, H3G 2E6
WHEN: Every Tuesday, doors @ 7 PM, Show @ 8 PM
METRO: Guy-Concordia (Green), Lucien l’Allier (Orange)
TICKETS: Eventbrite
Hump Day
Break up your week with top comedians, rising stars, and tons of surprises!
WHAT: Wednesday Night Stand-Up Comedy at Melrose Resto
WHERE: Melrose Resto, 6548 St. Laurent Blvd., Montreal, H2S 3C6
WHEN: Every Wednesday, Doors @ 7 PM, Show @ 8 PM
METRO: Beaubien (Orange)
TICKETS: Eventbrite
Thursday
Whatever’s ailing your soul, laughter is the cure! Get non-stop laughs with top-tier comedians!
WHAT: The Remedy
WHERE: Deli Planet, 895 Rue De la Gauchetière W., Montreal, H3B 2M4
WHEN: Every Thursday @ 830 PM
METRO: Bonaventure (Orange)
TICKETS: Eventbrite
Friday
Kick off your weekend with laughter! Unwind with killer comedians, plus a full kitchen, and bar!
WHAT: Just Joking
WHERE: Melrose Resto, 6548 Boulevard St. Laurent Blvd., Montreal, H2S 3C6
WHEN: Every Friday @ 8 PM
METRO: Beaubien (Orange)
TICKETS: Eventbrite
Saturday
Saturday nights are for laughs with friends! Gather the gang, and head out for some Ha-has, and catch these comedy all stars!
WHAT: Comedy All Stars
WHERE: Deli Planet, 895 Rue De la Gauchetière W., Montreal, H3B 2M4
WHEN: Every Saturday @ 9 PM
METRO: Bonaventure (Orange)
TICKETS: Eventbrite
Saturday Late Show
Late shows get rowdy! This daring stand-up event features 5 professional comedians pushing boundaries, and exploring the edges of humour. Perfect for those who appreciate comedy that toes the line between provocative and playful.
10$ Early Bird
15$ Day Of
20$ At the Door
WHAT: Saturday Night Comedy Late Show
WHERE: Deli Planet, 895 Rue De la Gauchetière W., Montreal, H3B 2M4
WHEN: Every Saturday, Doors @ 1045 PM Show @ 11 PM
METRO: Bonaventure (Orange)
TICKETS: Eventbrite
Sunday
Fight the scaries with funnies! Catch comedy, grab some dinner, have a drink -- you’ll forget all about Monday morning!
WHAT: Sunday Night Stand-Up
WHERE: Brass Door, 2171 Crescent St., Montreal, H3G 2C1
WHEN: Every Sunday @ 8 PM
METRO: Guy-Concordia (Green) & Lucien-l'Allier (Orange)
TICKETS: Eventbrite
McSweeney’s List drops every Wednesday with the best events, workshops, and more, each week in Montreal!
