I can't help not having a sense of humor. Its just the way I was born. And then my environment didn't help. My parents were serious. I don't believe that I have ever heard my mother or step-mother ever tell a joke - ever. My biological dad only tells inappropriate racist or sexist jokes. My step-dad was hilarious, but we laughed at him as he laughed along. So generally I never had a chance.
I think Curtis (and now our children) know I am an easy target and enjoy time as a family because it is easy to make me the butt of their jokes. Even though I don't have a sense of humor, I can take it. But there is one thing that I can't stand... it is some of the comedy dialog that Curtis likes. We have fought about it in the past and will likely disagree about it in the future. I understand that each generation of comedy needs to push the line further than their forefathers, but when does that line become totally inappropriate? A few years ago I got back into my car after Curtis had borrowed it. The radio was on and Howard Stern instantly started to assalt me. The conversation I entered into the middle of had to do with a joke about gang raping a woman from behind. I was shocked and appalled. I didn't anything funny in the issuing conversation. I was absolutely disgusted. And every time Curtis wants to listen to comedy I get incensed thinking about this Howard Stern episode I was subjected to. He thinks that I over react to everything - likely.
So when is comedy ok? From this not so funny person... I think it isn't ok to make jokes about hatred and violence. Curtis' defense is, "Because they joke about it, doesn't mean they want to do it." But to me, rape just isn't funny in no way, shape, or form. Neither is genocide or racism. That is the line I draw. I wasn't born with a sense of humor. I may try to lighten up a bit, but I am not moving the line - never. No joke.
Good Post Windo. This is a subject that could be debated for years and never have anyone in total agreement with each other. I can understand both points of veiw, yours and Curtis', but I have a tendancy to side with you on this one for the most part. Although, Curtis makes a valid point also. My problem in the comedy area is that I just don't find most comedians funny. The truly great comedians are long gone and the ones that we get subjected to now are all just on stage for shock value. It would seem that making people laugh, to brighten their day and have them walk away from the show happy and feeling better about their everyday lives, has taken a backseat to just having someone on stage spouting racial and political garbage in hopes of a laugh.
ReplyDelete...glad I could provide further fodder for your blog *pats self on the back*. A world without laughter is a world without hope (isn't that how it goes?) - wherever the so-called "line" may be. The "line" has moved and will continue to move back and forth. Not worrying about the line, because you know it's a joke, is the beauty of comedy. What makes things funny is when they are unpredictable.
ReplyDeleteKnock, Knock
Who's there?
Lie Ten Op
Lie Ten Op who?
Lie Ten Op YOU and enjoy a laugh!