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Michael7843853

- 3 years ago

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What's so funny, Fatboy?

A recent question about constantly laughing teenagers got me thinking about the nature of humor. According to Wiki, there are many theories as to the nature and origin of humor. Humor, it turns out, is a complex, serious subject. So here a couple of questions to get us started. How many unsolicited 'jokes' do I have to take before I turn from being a good sport into a laughing stock? Is a really nasty personal joke humor at all or just aggression? Is the Buddha laughing at us for taking ourselves so seriously? Is it impolite not to laugh at a non-funny joke? Why is profanity funny? Was Obama's joke about the special olympics truly hurtful or just inappropriate?

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"Is it impolite not to laugh at a non-funny joke?" There are two different problems here : politeness, and humour. They have nothing to do with each other. If you want to be polite, then be polite. If you want to be humourous, laugh. There is no right answer to this question in my mind. I just see that we have two choices when politeness verses humour : to be hurt or not to be hurt. I've had enough hurt in my life. I choose #2 as often as I can.

Obama- hurtful to some, inappropriate to many more. Thing is, sadly, a lot of people can relate to having said that about the special olympics, and I think Obama is a considerate guy, who said something he would like to take back. In terms of laughter, I saw Bill Maher live last week, I laughed at pretty much everything. I loved his take on society. Maher, Seinfeld, Larry David, and other comics are funny because when we really look at what we tip toe around in life, or take seriously, we know truly we're living a lie, and that most issues should be taken seriously. I love that being pointed out to me, or someone agreeing with my point of view, but bringing it to light verbally, so much better than I could articulate. The funniest things are usually what we're uncomfortable to talk about, or making more sense of why our beliefs are actually absurd.

Maybe we would all laugh if we knew the secret of life! .....and WHY?....are we here? I think life does not need to be hard or difficult...we make it so! In saying that, I admit I am taking baby steps to realize this!!! I just hope in my life time I experience the laugh of the happy Buddah!

Obama's joke about his bowling skills was a light hearted attempt to say he isn't very proficient at it. I take offense at people who use the term "r****d(ed)" in their everyday vocabulary as if that term is a humorous thing. It is not - it is listed as offensive in the dictionary's definition, when used in a derogatory manner, other than to describe a medical mentally handicapped affliction. Profanity can be funny because of the different ways it can be expressed. But too much of it can be offensive and inappropriate.

Obama's comment was self-deprecating description of his ability and it was blown all out of proportion...anything that foments a hatred of any group though I regard as ugly.

I think sometimes people are too stiff, and need to relax by the use of humor, however, it has to be on a superficial level, not anything hurtful or offensive. I have been told that when people make nasty jokes about other people, it is because they have low self-esteem and is trying to get everyone to think he/she is funny. I don't think it is appropriate to laugh at a nasty joke, but most cases it is polite to laugh at a non-funny joke. OK, I have two jokes for you all: How do you stop a bull from charging? & What's brown and sticky? Answers: Take away his credit card. & A Stick. (Cheesy, I know :-))

As to Obama's comment, it was just inappropriate, and I don't believe he ment anything by it. I know he's the President of the United States, he's held to a higher standard than any individual, BUT HE"S HUMAN!! He's done a great deal to put the white house on more of a personal level, let's cut him some slack, as we should and would do with each other.

i think its subjective in the way that if it makes you feel a certain way, then express it, and dont worry about if other people think its funny or not. even if everyone is laughing and you think it was wrong or mean and unnecessary, then say it was lame or not funny and make them the joke. unless people are called out, they will continue to think in the same way. at the same time, no one's opinion is the final verdict, but its important that we express our feelings by whether we react in a condoning or condemning way

There's a saying that goes "There's truth in every jest." I think we should all have a sense of humor about our world and about ourselves as well as each other. You can tell if someone is trying to hurt your feelings or not. We should never take ourselves too seriously though. Laughing is awesome and it really is the best medicine.

"I never smile if I can help it.... Showing one's teeth is a submission signal in primates. When someone smiles at me, all I see is a chimpanzee begging for its life." - Dwight Schrute Yes, not a light topic. Personally I enjoy jokes and hardly ever wonder what's appropriate. There is a line, there has to be, but I have no idea what it looks like.

@Michael7843853

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What's so funny, Fatboy?

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Maybe we would all laugh if we knew the secret of life! .....and WHY?....are we here? I think life does not need to be hard or difficult...we make it so! In saying that, I admit I am taking baby steps to realize this!!! I just hope in my life time I experience the laugh of the happy Buddah!

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Obama's comment was self-deprecating description of his ability and it was blown all out of proportion...anything that foments a hatred of any group though I regard as ugly.

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What's so funny, Fatboy?

Maybe we would all laugh if we knew the secret of life! .....and WHY?....are we here? I think life does not need to be hard or difficult...we make it so! In saying that, I admit I am taking baby steps to realize this!!! I just hope in my life time I experience the laugh of the happy Buddah!

Obama's comment was self-deprecating description of his ability and it was blown all out of proportion...anything that foments a hatred of any group though I regard as ugly.

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