Make 'em Laugh, it helps them listen
June 25th 2007 11:45
I was listening to the radio ages back (I have intended to write this post for ages, but never got around to it) and they were interviewing Rupert Everett, also known as Prince Charming from the Shrek movies. He said something I have known for ages, but he said it brilliantly. "The best thing about cartoons is that you can make social commentary that people will recieve in a way that they will accept." He then went on to list things like the Simpsons, Family Guy and American Dad.
What got me is not how true this is (I've known for a long time that humour is the shortest distance between people) but how very commonplace it's become for a kid's cartoon show to become politically aware. The Simpsons has some great lines. "War, the cause of and answer to all of America's problems!" - Bart Simpson. Or Bart Simpson again, but this time on religion, "We should stop thinking about the stupid little differences and concentrate on the BIG stupid similarities."
What makes me curious is to note the differences between my generation and the previous generation. Unlike any other generation, we have access to more knowledge and have perhaps the greatest amount of global awareness that has ever been known. We question our politicians, our media, almost every facet of our lives are met with questions. The influence of so much of this? What makes us laugh. Sure, we laugh at nerds (me being one, it's okay) but we also understand that what we are laughing at about them is also usually what we value about them. I'm a little off-topic here,
One of the greatest and fastest growing mediums of this is the web comic and flash animation. The internet is host to thousands upon thousands of different mediums, arts, and groups. Many of which are designed to entertain. Penny Arcade (who I have mentioned before) used their influence, mainly gained by being entertaining, to create a multi-million dollar charity. Are these guys the most amazing business men? No, they are just two guys that can make you laugh.
So the next time you laugh at something, take a moment and see what you learned.
JZ
What got me is not how true this is (I've known for a long time that humour is the shortest distance between people) but how very commonplace it's become for a kid's cartoon show to become politically aware. The Simpsons has some great lines. "War, the cause of and answer to all of America's problems!" - Bart Simpson. Or Bart Simpson again, but this time on religion, "We should stop thinking about the stupid little differences and concentrate on the BIG stupid similarities."
What makes me curious is to note the differences between my generation and the previous generation. Unlike any other generation, we have access to more knowledge and have perhaps the greatest amount of global awareness that has ever been known. We question our politicians, our media, almost every facet of our lives are met with questions. The influence of so much of this? What makes us laugh. Sure, we laugh at nerds (me being one, it's okay) but we also understand that what we are laughing at about them is also usually what we value about them. I'm a little off-topic here,
One of the greatest and fastest growing mediums of this is the web comic and flash animation. The internet is host to thousands upon thousands of different mediums, arts, and groups. Many of which are designed to entertain. Penny Arcade (who I have mentioned before) used their influence, mainly gained by being entertaining, to create a multi-million dollar charity. Are these guys the most amazing business men? No, they are just two guys that can make you laugh.
So the next time you laugh at something, take a moment and see what you learned.
JZ
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Comment by DuskDevi
Rugby World Cup 2007
...not to take a sip of coffee before I laugh?
Seriously now....you've also addressed the humour issue in this post- why series like 'Scrubs' and 'House' tickle the (sorry) funny bone yet still manage to get the serious and sad side of life looked at.
My best teachers were the ones who made us laugh. We wanted to listen to them.
Laughter is an endorphin builder...happy hormones provide clarity...they don't cloud...and we feel good...and what makes us feel good must be good right?
(which does not explain 'Jackass'....)
Therefore we want to know what it was that surrounded the trigger for laughter.
And I could be speaking through my left nostril and typing through the other but...it makes sense. if only to me.
...and you my funny-always-make us-laugh-and-learn friend? How are you?
Dusk
Comment by DuskDevi
Rugby World Cup 2007
Comment by Ahmed
Video Gamer Kids
Little Green Foosballs
PolyKicks
Comment by JoshZ
I think I keep adressing humour because humour is such a human aspect.
My favourite authors aren't just the ones that make me think alot, but also the ones that know HOW to use humour. CS Lewis and Chesterton are brilliant at both, as is Ben Elton and Terry Pratchett. Funny how so many of these guys are british/irish.
As to how I am Dusk? I am doing very well. Nata is also doing very well (more on that later) and to be honest, there isn't much I could complain about, and alot that I am thankful for.
Come back again Dusk, as soon as you like,
JZ
Comment by JoshZ
we're not laughing with you, we're laughing near you. Robin Williams Dead Poets Society.
JZ
Comment by Nina